RUSH-HOUR commuters are warned to expect delays when United Utilities begin work in the city centre.

Work is due to start on Prescot Street, next to Royal Liverpool University Hospital, next Monday and last around eight weeks.

The work is predicted to cause delays for commuters into town with possible delays on Kensington Road and Hall Lane.

United Utilities are replacing old cast-iron water pipes with modern plastic pipes as part of its £2.9bn water quality and environmental improvement programme.

Henry Bennett, United Utilities’ project engineer, said: “As part of our continuing commitment to improve the supply and quality of water to all our customers, we are delighted to be in a position to deliver improvements to water supplies serving Prescot Street.

“These pipes were installed over 100 years ago and given their age they’ve done a fantastic job, but old pipes can often be the cause of low water pressure and discolouration .

“The new pipes will improve the overall reliability of the network, but also enhance the quality of the water.”