DRIVERS have blasted National Grid for creating traffic 'chaos' at a busy junction in the city centre.

Employees say they have been late for work and important meetings because of the gas works at the junction between The Tything, Castle Street and Foregate Street, while one fed-up driver told the Worcester News they were stuck in traffic for an hour because of the work.

National Grid says it is carrying out “essential” gas main upgrade work and has apologised for the disruption.

But fed-up drivers have slammed it for ‘mismanaging’ the roadworks.

Yesterday morning the battery powering the temporary traffic lights failed, forcing workers to direct vehicles manually with hand-held signs.

And that came after a crucial piece of equipment failed to arrive at the site on Monday, putting the project on hold.

Adrian Purchase, who lives in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, says he was stuck at the junction for an hour.

Mr Purchase, 50, who was with his wife when he got caught in the traffic, says he blames site mismanagement for the delays.

He said he and other drivers tried to tell the traffic controller they needed to let more cars through the Tything.

"People were absolutely furious because with effective traffic management it would have been better, although still poor," he said.

"Friday was horrendous and the guys on site seemed not to care. A guy behind me was giving them a right ear bending.

"All they needed to do was level the lights so that the Tything got even time with Castle Street.

“Lack of planning, forward thinking communication and execution.”

Kay Crooke, practice manager at Prosser Knowles Associates, in Castle Street, said: "It has affected us getting into the office.

"Last week it took me an extra 40 minutes than normal.Time is money, it's not good when you're half an hour late for work.

"I had someone coming into the office and they were half and hour late. At least we were both late.

"The majority of people that drive here are self employed but for those salaried, it's a problem."

Jon Bissett, an advisor at the the finance firm, said: "Going out is actually quicker but coming back in is a problem, from any direction.

"The other day I was sat here for around half an hour."

Another one of the employees says there is a big build-up of traffic outside the office at rush hour.

National Grid says it is trying to complete the work as soon as possible.

"Once the new pipes are installed we will not need to come back for many years," a spokesman said.

They added that the battery problem was unusual and that a new battery was installed yesterday afternoon.

"Once the new pipes are installed we will not need to come back for many years," the spokesman said.

National Grid aim to complete the work in The Tything and Foregate Street on Monday, October 31.

But nearby St Mary's Street will be closed for three weeks from October 31 for gas main replacement work.