IT WAS only three months ago that ice and heavy snowfall wreaked havoc on Worcestershire roads - but as one road closes, gritters are on standby for a very different reason.

Four gritters and around 300 tonnes of dust have been prepared to prevent roads from ‘fatting’ up - effectively melting - under the intense heat.

High temperatures have affected around 20 roads in Worcestershire over the past couple of days.

Highways chiefs closed the A449 at Mitre Oak in Hartlebury on Wednesday (June 27) to ‘dust’ the road and carry out work.

Jon Fraser, head of Worcestershire County Council's Highways department, said: “We’ve seen very high temperatures this week and it is affecting the surface of around 20 roads across the county.

“One lane of the A449 between the Mitre Oak and the Esso garage has been closed.

“We will carry out remedial work this afternoon and dust/grit the road surface ready to reopen it to all traffic as soon as we can.

“We have robust plans in place for when we experience hot temperatures over a long period of time.”

Gritters will likely remain on standby as temperatures continue to soar.

Highs of 28C are expected throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend.

Those hitting the city’s Gheluvelt Park to cool off will now be able to do so for longer - with the opening hours of the ever-popular Splashpad attraction extended to 6pm.

Worcester City Council decided to extend the hours early in the year than usual so children and families could enjoy the glorious weather after school has finished.

A Worcester City Council spokesman said: “It’s normally only open to 6pm during the summer holidays, but with temperatures soaring we know children and families will enjoy the chance to have a splash at the end of the school day.”

The Splashpad opens at 11am until 6pm.

Visitors can use the free car park in Waterworks Road.