COMMUTERS are facing delays because of work to fix a potential sewer collapse.

Temporary traffic lights have been set up outside The Talbot pub in Barbourne Road, Worcester.

The lights were installed yesterday and the work is expected to continue for up to seven days.

One commuter said: "I decided to walk in this morning to avoid the gridlock.

"It should take me around 40 minutes, less time than it took me to drive back last night."

A Severn Trent Water spokesman said: “We’re working to repair a collapsed sewer pipe beneath Barbourne Road in Worcester.

"The collapsed pipe isn’t causing any issues for our customers and we’re working as quickly as we can to get it repaired.

“The pipe itself is encased in concrete so it will take a little time for us to get through that and get it fixed.

“To make sure our engineers can work safely and to keep motorists safe we have temporary four-way traffic lights in operation on Barbourne Road, these are being manually operated between 7am and 7pm to keep traffic flowing as much as possible.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this causes.”

Jon Fraser, head of roads for Worcestershire County Council, said: "Traffic lights are currently in operation on the Barbourne Road and were placed there on Tuesday.

"Severn Trent Water are working on a damaged foul sewer pipe. 

"This pipe is not currently affecting usage of the sewer however if the work is not done with some urgency, it does have the potential to. 

"Work is expected to take five to seven days depending on engineering difficulties, and traffic lights will be in place until completion. 

"Due to the nature of the location we have required Severn Trent to work longer hours to complete as soon as possible."

Work is also taking place on Castle Street, Worcester, which is causing further delays.