Maintenance work to a mains water pipe in Norwich was delayed after a parked car blocked workers' access to a valve.

Maintenance work to a mains water pipe in Norwich was delayed after a parked car blocked workers' access to a valve.

Anglian Water is carrying out work at the junction of the A1056 Ipswich Road and the A11 St Stephens Road, and had planned to install a district water meter last night.

But the overnight work was held up last night after warning cones were moved and a car parked over the valve workmen needed to access, said Anglian Water spokesman Antony Innes.

A stretch of the northbound A1056 is closed and is expected to cause delays for motorists in Norwich in the rush hour this evening.

Mr Innes said workers were currently at the site, and were hoping to complete the work this evening in time for completion of the project by Thursday.

'We apologise for the traffic problems this morning, and there may be more this evening,' he added.

The work is being done during the night as shutting the valve during daytime peak periods would have risked leaving some homes without water.

Mr Innes said any customers left without water could be experiencing an unrelated problem and should call Anglian Water on 08457 145145.