'Unacceptable’ delay on pavement

Nigel Knowles has hit out at the authority's highways department and contractors Ringway over the work in Load Street, which he said should have been completed two weeks ago.

Workers began widening the walkway outside the Co-op Foodstore following the installation of nearby disabled and loading parking spaces last month but have struggled to find paving slabs which match the originals.

Mr Knowles said: "There were two weeks with the traffic moving one way around the church in Load Street, which was bad enough.

"We had to endure traffic lights for two weeks, including during the Discover Bewdley weekend, when we really could have done without them.

"Now here we are four weeks since the work started and we are still waiting for it to be finished.

"I am extremely annoyed. People in the town have be inconvenienced for four weeks, which is too long.

"If there was a problem with the slabs it should have been sorted before they started work."

The Labour party's prospective parliamentary candidate for Wyre Forest, added: "It's one thing to carry on like this in a cul-de-sac but in the middle of a town centre, there's no excuse.

"The council need to manage the contracts more efficiently."

Brian Moss, the director for Ringway in Worcestershire, said "Ringway works very hard to try and complete all works as professionally and efficiently as possible.

"However, not every job runs perfectly and with the job on Load Street, there have been problems trying to find paving slabs that match the original ones used.

"Residents can be assured that we are working together with the council and our suppliers to find some that match as soon as we can.

"We will then complete the job as quickly as possible."

A county council spokesman said: "Unfortunately, insufficient materials were available to complete the work.

"These supplies are on order and we are keen for the work to be completed as soon as possible."