A HUGE programme of sewerage works has started in Worcester this week, with the possibility of city traffic delays throughout the summer.

Starting in Tolladine Road, Severn Trent Water has started to repair, replace or reline about two miles of 19th Century brick sewers.

Residents and businesses in the affected areas have been told that pedestrian access will be maintained and their own vehicles will have access whenever possible.

But some roads will be temporarily closed to traffic and others will have temporary traffic lights.

These are now operating in Tolladine Road, between Sheriff Street and the Transco Depot, where work started on Monday and is expected to last around three weeks.

Where sewers are being relined, some people might notice an unpleasant smell, not of sewage, but of a chemical used in the relining process.

The smell usually lasts about 24 hours and can be dispersed with ventilation, but help is available for anyone who has a problem getting rid of it.

The programme of works is expected to end in Lowesmoor and Lowesmoor Place in September and early October.

"These are the maximum times we are expecting to take, but if things go well we could beat the programme and if they go badly we could take longer," said said project engineer Melvyn Merry.

"The sewers date from the 1890s and some are quite fragile, so we are dealing with the unknown.

Severn Trent has apologised in advance for any inconvenience caused by the sewerage works.