MOTORISTS were left frustrated during the morning rush as road works got into full flow.

Road closures and temporary lights were due to be put in place for six weeks from January 7, but work only appears to have started on Thursday morning.

Gas network Cadent are replacing four metallic pipes with long-lasting plastic ones in two phases of work across Sansome Walk and later Sansome Place and Lion Court.

A motorist, who wished to remain anonymous but lives in Arboretum Road, said: "Traffic was terrible this morning, I was forced to drive up Barbourne to then turn round and come back on myself in heavy congestion, making me late for work."

Cadent has said its planners have worked closely with Worcestershire County Council to agree the timing of this work and the temporary traffic changes that need to be enforced.

For phase one, from January 7 to January 28, Sansome Walk will be closed from the junction with Pierpoint Street to the junction with Sansome Place, with a diversion in place.

Phase two, from January 28 to February 18, will see the teams then move into Lion Court/Sansome Place with traffic lights in place to guided motorists around the work area.