A COUNCILLOR in Worcester has hit out at more investment into resurfacing city streets - saying there are other priorities to tackle.

Councillor Lynn Denham, who represents the city centre, says it is "disappointing" more taxpayers' cash is going towards sprucing up the streets.

The politician, who served in the old Labour cabinet last year, says the current Conservative administration should focus on other problems like housing.

As your Worcester News revealed in December, at least £500,000 will be pumped into improving Broad Street and The Shambles this year so they are no longer the city centre's poor relations.

The repaving and resurfacing work follows a £315,000 overhaul of Worcester's High Street last year between the Elgar Statue and Pump Street.

The latest project, which is expected to end up a larger kitty after the spring with extra funds from the county council, follows the £500,000 uplift of Angel Place to launch the new-look markets.

Cllr Denham said: "It is disappointing that this administration is looking to spend even more money on pavements.

"To many people supporting Worcester as a place ought to be about the community and priorities like decent homes rather than expensive pavements."

Her criticism has been rejected by the Tory leadership, which says it believes the public like the city centre facelift.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic prosperity, said: "In comparison with other pavement schemes this is good value for money.

"We've been able to lift the quality of our city centre by these measures, despite the carping I am happy with the feedback I've got from people about Angel Place and Broad Street and The Shambles looks tatty now compared to other areas of Worcester.

"So I fundamentally disagree."

As well as city centre improvements, depending on the size of the pot the city council also wants to consider improving the riverside beyond Sabrina Bridge.

The spending will form part of the council’s 2015/16 budget due to be voted on in February.

Between 2005 and 2012 £1.3 million was spent on the High Street's surface, with the Tories making it one of their priorities.