CAR wash owners in Worcester are having to take down a £2,000 fence after it was branded “abysmal” by politicians.

The Diamond Car Wash in Bromwich Road, St John’s, has been ordered to replace a semi-transparent fence by the city council’s planning committee.

Councillor Derek Prodger said: “It’s the most abysmal-looking screen I’ve ever seen.

After complaints from neighbours about water spray and noise, the owners erected the three metre-high boarding last Christmas without planning permission.

But a retrospective planning application has been rejected, meaning the business must spend thousands to erect a new one.

A report before the planning committee said it should be approved, despite the city’s conservation officer calling it “ugly” and “unsightly”.

The committee decided to unanimously refuse it, meaning the owners must take it down or appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.