ANGER over the state of Tenbury's roads and pavements has been stoked after a 72 year-old was injured when his bicycle clipped a pothole in Market Street last week.

Gerald Mole, from Archer's Way Burford, was hurt after the front wheel caught in the hole.

"As I twisted round to try and stop myself from falling I also twisted a rib," he said.

"If there had been a cross bar on my bike I couldn't have got my leg over and I would have crashed to the ground but when I got home the tyre was ripped off my bike and a bit of the front wheel was missing."

Councillor Margaret Austin, who has been campaigning for better roads and pavements in the town, said she was disgusted the accident had happened.

"I have raised the issue with district councillors many times, they promise to get things done but never do," she said.

"No one can deny that roads and pavements in Tenbury are in a bad state and becoming dangerous.

"When I was previously elected to the town council I made regular reports to Highway representatives.

"I have since been re-elected and nothing has changed and, until they do, accidents will go on happening."

County and district councillor Reg Farmer said he was sorry to hear about Mr Mole and was aware of Coun Austin's comments at town meetings. "I have continued to bring the matter to the attention the Highway Partnership and have brought the appropriate officers into Tenbury to see for themselves," he added. "We are doing all we can to improve the roads and pavements."

Highway Partnership Manager Mike Davis said: "We are very sorry to hear of the gentleman's accident and hope he has recovered from his experience.

"Highway management in Tenbury is the responsibility of the town council - it reports repairs to us and we respond as quickly as we can.

"However, parts of Market Street are showing signs of wear and tear and we are seeking funding to undertake the work.

"The area for repairs is very narrow, and this will effectively split the town in two over a weekend so we will need to agree a start date with the town council and traders."