IT’S ‘so far, so good’ for a £1 million roadworks project in Worcester which will see three miles of pipeline replaced.

Work is continuing on the scheme, installing new water pipes across the Arboretum.

Severn Trent Water and contractor Morgan Sindall began the year-long programme in August, and so far more than 600 metres of pipeline has been installed.

And, although concerns were raised when the work was announced that problems would be caused with parking on the already-congested streets, Worcester City Council member for Arboretum ward, Joy Squires, said residents seemed to be happy with the work.

“I have had no complaints about how the work is being carried out,” she said.

“In fact, a couple of people have said how helpful the workmen are being.

“The system in place for bin collection is working well, except for the day the lorry broke down, but this was unrelated to the works going on.”

She also said that a scheme introduced by Severn Trent giving residents special parking tickets so they could access closed roads also seemed to be working well.

“I would agree that it’s so far so good, though parking will become more of an issue now that the larger, more central streets like Northfield Street are being dug up,” she said.

The work was arranged following a series of burst water pipes, and Severn Trent’s programme manager Jonathan Tait said the work was about 20 per cent complete.

“Homes in the city are already benefiting from the installation of more than 600 metres of new pipes, now hidden beneath the city’s streets,” he said. 

“We’re pleased with our progress so far, but there’s more to be done.

“In less than a year we expect to install more than three miles of new water pipes.”

He also said residents and businesses in the area had been very understanding and co-operative.

“Although we’re not working on any major traffic routes, we’re installing new water pipes on very narrow residential roads, so we’re mindful of the potential to cause disruption,” he said.

“The essential improvements will continue to be carried out under temporary road closures with access homes provided at all times.”

Work has already been completed on Chestnut Street, Lower Chestnut Street, Wolverton Road and Little Chestnut Street and is currently in progress on Barry Street, the Moors and Wood Terrace.

Work is expected to begin at Britannia Square and Northfield Street at the end of the month.