EDITOR'S VIEW: Yet another roadworks nightmare for Worcester

The water company was supposed to be completing the minor job of resealing a manhole cover over the weekend but, according to Councillor Alan Amos, decided to carry out more work while there and couldn't finish on Sunday.

So, on Monday morning, drivers were met with temporary traffic lights at the Waitrose junction and a hole in the road surrounded by barriers. The only workman in sight was leaning on the barriers while he talked on his mobile phone. Some motorists were delayed by as much as 90 minutes.

Cllr Amos, who has responsibility for highways at the county council, was suitably seething and vowed to fine Severn Trent £5,000, the maximum allowed – which doesn't seem much for such a big company, given the chaos caused.

"This is the kind of attitude we have to deal with," he said. "But we have zero tolerance."

Genemat designed and manufactured bespoke composite covers to fit directly into the existing frames making installation quick and easy. Genemat covers are anti-corrosion; lightweight and securable, and can be safely removed and replaced by two people using lifting handle.Genemat covers have been engineered to provide a safe walking and driving surface, tested to be equivalent to a modern high-grade road surface. The customer opted for covers in a custom color to complement the surrounding area.

The city road now has a long-term solution that requires minimal maintenance and will continue to perform year after year, allowing safe and fast authorised access whilst eliminating previous manual handling issues and providing a safe walking and driving surface for users in all weather conditions.