A COUNCIL leader has criticised the "shoddy" repairs to sections of pavement ripped up in Worcester city centre.

New block paving slabs were laid in New Street last October, but have since been dug up by Western Power to carry out emergency electrical repairs.

Worcester City Council leader, Councillor Adrian Gregson, says tarmac has been put down in place of the slabs but is calling for the original pavement to be re-installed.

However, Worcestershire County Council says the tarmac is only a "temporary measure" and the paving with be re-laid next week.

Cllr Gregson said: "The point is there was a lot of time and effort invested in upgrading that street and in less than a year it has been ruined. I just think it is a complete waste of money.

"It is a turn-off for people because it just looks a mess. If we have got any commitment to the city and its attractiveness then we have got to make sure we are not letting the standards drop.

"Why are we now given second hand, shoddy replacements? It is just not acceptable for the city to have this kind of work foisted upon us when we are all supposed to be trying to up the city's image and the city's game.

"I think it is an appalling state of affairs and it really must be rectified. I'm calling for those paving stones to be put back. It must be replaced like for like."

Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways at Worcestershire County Council, said: "These were emergency works carried out by Western Power to repair an electrical fault.

"The tarmac reinstatement is a temporary measure and the matching block paving has been supplied by the County Council and will be laid over two evenings on 25 and 26 August."