Work to replace a gas man in Summer Hill, Halesowen, has been delayed after it was decided road closures would cause too much disruption for motorists and residents.

Summer Hill and Powell Street had been due to be closed from the start of January till the end of this week for firm Cadent to replace an ageing gas main.

But after a site meeting between Cadent, the firm's contractor Balfour Beatty and Dudley Council it was decided they would have to go back to the drawing board and redesign the road closure and traffic management plan.

Councillor Ray Burston said: "Summer Hill is the main road from the Spring Hill Estate and also residents of Summer Hill have to park on the road.

"The work has got to be done, but disruption needs to be minimised for motorists and local residents."

Work has still not started and there is no confirmed date when it will start.

A council spokesman said: "Complications in relation to the size of the works and managing access to Maslen Place require a redesign of the scheme and associated traffic management.

"Works will take place at this location at a future date, to be arranged."

Summer Hill was set to be closed between Powell Street and Blackberry Lane and Powell Street for its entire length in the original plan.