WORK to replace ageing water pipes in Worcester will restart on Monday (Sept 22) seeing Sansome Walk closed until mid-November.

This is the final phase of Severn Trent Water’s work to help prevent bursts in Worcester city centre.

The company has already installed 3.7 km of modern water pipes and has 1.3 km left to go as part of the £1 million project.

The essential work on Sansome Walk is expected to be completed in mid-November.

Jonathan Tait, Severn Trent’s programme manager, said: "Over the summer, we wanted to give the people of Worcester a break from the water work which has been carried out, now we’re starting again and we’re focussed on getting the job finished quickly.

"The old ones have to be replaced because they’ve become weak and prone to bursts."

During the work National Grid will also be taking the opportunity to replace their gas pipes in Sansome Walk.

Mr Tait added: "To allow us to complete the work safely we will unfortunately need to close the road, but access will be maintained to residents and businesses in Pierpoint Street from Foregate Street.

"We’re really sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and we’ll do all we can to keep it to minimum. We’d like to thank our customers in Worcester for the patience and understanding they’ve shown throughout this essential piece of work."

John Smith, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member with responsibility for highways said: "We are working with Severn Trent Water who are carrying out a series of water main renewals in the Arboretum area, including along Sansome work. 

"There will be an alternative route around Sansome Walk which will divert motorists across Castle Street, Croft Road and Sansome Street.

"There will also be additional signage in place which will allow drivers to miss out The Butts and join traffic heading into the town centre."

For further information about the work you can contact Amey at their 24-hour customer service centre on 0800 521 660 or email STW.Works@amey.co.uk.