SEWER works in Kidderminster have been pushed back so as not to coincide with the major reconstruction of the Hoobrook Island.

Work on the sewers in Silverwoods Way, and the resulting closure of the road, was originally scheduled to take place at the same time as a project to build additional lanes and signalisation on the three main arms of the busy Hoobrook roundabout, with the latter having started earlier this month.

Councillor Fran Oborski said it "beggared belief" that the two major schemes had been allowed to take place at the same time, risking "major disruption", however the sewer works have since been postponed to begin once the Hoobrook scheme has completed later this year.

Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member for Highways at Worcestershire County Council, said: “The completion of improvements to the road network are vital as they play a major part in supporting the county’s economic growth and recovery, whilst also allowing new homes and businesses to develop here in Worcestershire.

"The Section 50 sewer works at Silverwoods Way require a road closure due to the nature of the required works.

"Following a review of other works in the area, these works have been earmarked to begin once the Hoobrook scheme has been completed later this year.

“The county council, as the local highways authority, grants road space bookings for all works and events on the highway.

"The purpose of the bookings that are granted can range from maintenance works, major schemes, utility works, developer works, private connections to skips and scaffolds on the highway.

"The impact on highway users is a top priority for the county council when developing and co-ordinating schemes on the county’s highway and we always encourage contractors to collaborate to reduce disruption.

"Current and planned activity is visible to the public on www.one.network, however the information hosted on this site can sometimes show the total duration of road space booked and the most disruptive form of traffic management that might be used - that is to say, it reflects the worst case scenario."

The Hoobrook improvement works, which are planned to be completed by the autumn, include additional lanes and signalisation on the three main arms and the roundabout itself to improve the flow and manoeuvrability of traffic.

This will be achieved by reconfiguring the central island and the splitter islands at each junction, including the Wilden Lane approach.

As part of the scheme, some footways in the area will also be widened to create improved footway and cycleway where possible, along with an upgraded crossing on Chester Road South.