Express & Star

Year of delays on roads in Wyre Forest district amid works

Traffic chaos could be caused by a year-long replacement scheme for old water pipes around the Wyre Forest district which have become prone to leaks and bursts.

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The pipes are to be replaced as part of a £1.5 million modernisation programme but the work is expected to lead to disruption because of a rolling programme of road closures.

The ambitious replacement scheme, which started this week around the Far Forest area, will benefit hundreds of households but is expected to take a year to complete.

During the scheme more than nine miles of old water pipes will be replaced.

Severn Trent Water say that the scheme is 'vital to ensure customers' taps and toilets keep working' and that it is better to carry out the work as part of a planned programme rather than keep coping with emergencies.

But officials have warned that traffic hold-ups could be caused on local roads and have apologised for any delays.

Gareth Mead, spokesman for Severn Trent Water, said: "As water pipes get old, they can grow weaker leading them to crack or burst.

"We want to make sure our customers' water supply is always there when they need it, that's why, in collaboration with our contract partner Amey, we are investing a huge amount of money to lay brand new water pipes that are more resistant to bursts in this part of Worcestershire.

"We know that working anywhere can cause disruption, but especially in rural villages like this and we would like to say sorry to anyone who may be affected by this work.

"To keep both the local community and our teams safe, we will need to close several roads in the area, starting with Gibbet Bank, between the junction of Pound Bank House, and the junction of Alton Lodge Farm.

"This has already started."

In July, work moves onto Buckeridge Lane, from the junction of Pound Bank to the junction of Tenbury Road.

Later in the summer and into the Autumn, the work will progress along Tenbury Road, Chapel Lane and Callow Hill Road.

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