MAJOR roadworks which could take as long as four months to complete have started on one of the busiest routes through Worcester.

Massive disruption to traffic flow along Barbourne Road had been predicted, but both Worcestershire County Council and National Grid - which is undertaking a 17-week project to replace gas mains in the area - said they had not had any problems reported to them so far.

A National Grid spokeswoman said the company always monitors traffic flow in the first few days of major projects such as this one.

"I have spoken to the project manager who has been down on site most of the day speaking to people and businesses and everyone is fine," she said. "There has been no congestion and everybody is happy. People read in the newspaper that it was going to be a problem but everyone is pleased with the result so far."

The work will affect the stretch of Barbourne Road from St George's Square to Upper Tything, as well as the adjoining streets Little London and Tennis Walk, and should all be finished in early May.