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Drivers asked for 'patience' as water works mean more road chaos for Oldbury

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Motorists are facing more disruption in Oldbury with a major scheme to replace water mains set to last for another two months. more

Drivers have already been held up by temporary traffic lights on the busy Rood End Road heading into the town.

Now further details of the scheme have been revealed which will see a road closed and a one-way system introduced.

The work in Rood End Road is set to be completed on Sunday and 24 hours later attention will turn to Pope's Lane, which will become one-way for six weeks. Tat Bank Road will then be closed between Western Road asnd Pope's Lane on March 28 as part of the South Staffs Water project which is expected to run until April 10.

Residents are also facing disruption and have been warned the water supply may need to be shut off during the works.

Councillor Preet Gill said she understood the frustrations of motorists and residents but that the work was 'unavoidable'.

She has also pleaded with motorists to be patient while the work is ongoing.

She said: "The roadworks are key but we are trying our best efforts to minimise congestion at busy times by advising parents to drop children off on the nearby car park at school times to prevent build-up.

"People are aware that the work needs to be done and that it will make a difference.

"So far we have had no major concerns from residents or businesses.

"Whenever there is roadworks there is always going to be an element of inconvenience but these roadworks are necessary and need to be completed.

Drivers have been told to expect delays at peak times when travelling in around the area during the length of projects. The work in Rood End Road has already led to delays on mornings and evenings.

Annalise Lister, communications manager at South Staffs Water, said:"We are committed to delivering a high quality, reliable water supply to our customers.

"We aim to complete this work quickly and with as little disruption as possible, however, we may need to turn off the water supply for a short time. If we do need to shut off the water supply we will provide as much notice as possible. This work will improve the quality and reliability of the water supply.

"We would like to apologise in advance for any disruption it may cause and thank residents, businesses and motorists for their patience."