DELAYS to repainting Stourport bridge are adding to complaints about the neglect of the town and putting off vital visitors, it has been claimed.

Two Wyre Forest district councillors for Stourport have invited the "top brass" at Worcestershire County Council to come to the town to see for themselves the state of the bridge. Councillor Albert Adams surveys the state of Stourport bridge.

Jamie Shaw said: "It's supposed to be painted every 12 years and it's 12 years since it's been done. Now it urgently needs to be smartened up. The view from the road and the riverside is the same - shabby and uncared for."

And his colleague Albert Adams said concern about the bridge followed objections from businesses and residents about the riverside.

"I think the main complaints about that area is Bridge Street and the old market and the general dilapidated nature of the older buildings."

He labelled the 19th century iron bridge "one of the main features of Stourport" but added it was not an "edifying sight" at the moment.

"I think it does give a bad impression of the town to a lot of people who come as tourists on a Saturday or a Sunday."

County council spokesman Lee Shrimpton said repainting had been delayed because the bridge was due for an inspection to determine what maintenance is needed.

"We have been due for a repainting this year but the inspection process has overtaken that."

He added: "The inspection needs to take place first. If it does need a lot of repairs we have to bid for funding from the Government to do that."

The inspection is due to take place later this year, Mr Shrimpton said.

"It will be looking spic-and-span as soon as possible."