WORCESTER'S Sansome Walk will remain closed until mid-November after utility chiefs admitted defeat in trying to finish early.

Severn Trent had hoped to get the project finished two weeks ahead of schedule, by this weekend, but has confirmed that it will run until around Saturday, November 15.

The firm is working with the National Grid to lay new pipes in a £1 million overhaul, shutting off the route.

The closure has led to serious congestion in and around the street, and last month we reported how drivers were ignoring the signs and attempting to drive through it, making the jams worse.

A spokesman for Severn Trent said "complex" problems with the underground pipes now means any hopes of an early finish have been dashed.

"The work was planned with the aim of both companies working together to reduce the disruption and inconvenience for motorists.

"For the majority of the time this was successful and most of the joint work was carried out on schedule.

"Unfortunately, both teams of engineers have experienced complex problems with the two networks of pipes in the area.

"The new pipes will last for many years with little or no maintenance and will make sure that residents and businesses in the area will continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas and water supplies."