THERE is bad news for anyone planning on driving home for Christmas - roadworks on Castle Street looks set to continue for at least the next few days.

Emergency work to fix a gas leak outside the University of Worcester City Campus has been going on since Monday, December 15.

Engineers were called out after a passer-by smelled gas at just before 9.30am and the crews have since repaired several escapes on two pipes outside the university.

Despite hopes that the work would be finished by the end of last week, National Grid has said it is likely that it will continue for at least the next couple of days.

It means that the four-way traffic light system which has been causing traffic tailbacks will also have to remain in place.

Jane Taylor, spokeswoman for National Grid, said: "We are hoping to have the holes in the road filled in within the next couple of days so we can take down the temporary traffic lights.

"The hole in the pavement will stay open so we can monitor any gas readings over the holiday.

"Once the ground is free of gas, the hole can be filled in.

"We are hoping that will complete the work however, if we continue to get readings, it might be necessary to do further work after Christmas."

National Grid said last week that public safety was its priority but there was no real risk to the public from the gas leak.

Parts of the university including The Infirmary museum were closed off for safety reasons at the start of last week but they have all reopened now.