TAXI drivers have added to the chorus of anger over a 'nightmare' city centre water leak which is 'crippling business' as a further delay to urgent repairs is revealed.

Water continues to gush out of the ground at the crossroads at the junction of Foregate Street, The Foregate, Shaw Street and Sansome Street with several roads now closed.

These arterial roads in the city centre may not reopen now until Friday morning, water bosses have announced today (Wednesday) because the repair is proving more complicated than expected.

The burst water main has also led to the closure of Sansome Street, The Cross, St Swithins Street, Trinity Street, St Nicholas Street, Foregate Street and The Foregate, some of which are now designated as access only.

Worcester News: DESERTED: Foregate Street in Worcester, pictured at around 9.45am on Wednesday, May 15 DESERTED: Foregate Street in Worcester, pictured at around 9.45am on Wednesday, May 15 (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Disruption and loss of trade caused by the burst has already sparked anger from businesses nearby.

Adam Law, owner of Coffee Nook, described the situation as 'a nightmare' and added: "It's really crippling us. I've just been to the shop and there is no-one working there at all."

But the transport system has also been affected with taxi drivers diverted along Angel Street. Passengers and drivers have complained of gridlock caused by the road closures.

Worcester News: DISRUPTION: The view towards Shaw Street and The Butts on Wednesday, May 15 DISRUPTION: The view towards Shaw Street and The Butts on Wednesday, May 15 (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

A spokesperson for First Buses said the network was experiencing  'severe delays' because of the road closures.

A taxi driver, Maz Shakil of city-based Woober, said: "The taxi industry in Worcester is being significantly impacted by ongoing roadworks throughout the city.

"Moreover, the recent water leaks on Shaw Street have proven to be particularly detrimental to our operations.

"Customers are voicing their dissatisfaction over long delays, leading to job cancellations.

"Additionally, access to various parts of the city is severely restricted during certain times of the day.

"Drivers are increasingly frustrated by their inability to reach customers promptly. It remains a mystery why roadworks in Worcester consistently exceed their expected duration, significantly impacting our operations in the gig economy."

Tom Collins, the man bidding to be Worcester's next Labour MP, said: “This kind of disruption is really frustrating and dents our local economy.

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“While bursting mains have always happened, I think many people will find this symbolic - we know that our infrastructure has seen under-investment and is not ready for the challenges of the coming decades."

Paul Baldwyn, Streetworks lead for Severn Trent, apologised to those impacted.

“This has been a very complicated repair which has seen our teams working through the day and night, when water demand is at its lowest. Our priority throughout this complex repair has been to keep everyone on supply in the area, including a local hospital.

“We’ve made good progress and are continuing to work in the area today to ensure we are ready to complete the repairs in the early hours of Thursday morning, before reinstatement work then takes place to put everything back to normal. The road closure should then be lifted on Friday.”