ROAD works on Sansome Walk have been delayed until next week despite closures already being in place.

Gas network Cadent was due to start work to replace metallic pipes with long-standing plastic ones this week and closures and diversions were put in place on Monday (January 7).

Motorists then suffered heavy delays from Thursday morning, with residents Pat and Roger Hughes adamant they and others had not been warned at all about the disruptive works, due to last six weeks.

As reported on Tuesday, Cadent said all residents affected were sent letters and were visited by representatives in November and December.

“Preparation work has got underway in Sansome Walk,” a spokeswoman told the Worcester News on Thursday.

“However, the main works will not now start until next week.”

She went on to say: “Unfortunately, although warning signs about this work have been out since December 27, a minority of motorists have been driving through the coned off area, putting staff and pedestrians at risk.

“Safety is our top priority and following discussions with Worcestershire County Council we have agreed additional measures, including extra signage and specially-made barriers to guide blind and partially sighted people.

“We would urge drivers to follow the traffic management directions, leave extra time for their journeys – particularly at rush hour – or seek another route, and to please be patient.

“We understand this work is disruptive, but it is important that we replace these ageing pipes so people living and working locally continue to have a safe gas supply,” she added.

Once the new pipes are in the ground, Cadent estimates it will not need to come back to renew them for at least 80 years.

“We will do our best to finish this work as soon as possible and we’d like to thank local people and drivers for bearing with us,” said the spokeswoman.

Many people have vented their frustrations at the works on Facebook this week, including Rob Jones who called them a “recipe for accidents”.

“After dropping off at Foregate Street this morning, being diverted along Sansome Walk, someone came out of the Arboretum junction straight into my direction,” he said.

“[It’s a] recipe for accidents to happen without correct signage,” he added.

Up to January 28, Sansome Walk will be closed from the junction with Pierpoint Street to the junction with Sansome Place. From January 28 to February 18, will see the teams then move into Lion Court/Sansome Place.