TESCO failed to get planning permission for the new 'anti-theft spikes' on top of one of its Worcester stores and could now be forced to remove them, says a city councillor.

The Tesco Express in Brindley Road, Warndon had the security measure installed around the edge of the roof earlier this month after a spate of thefts – but a local councillor says the supermarket chain did not ask Worcester City Council for planning permission to put up the spikes before carrying out the work.

Stephen Hodgson, councillor for Warndon Parish North, said: “I have reported this to the council planning department to see if any formal planning application had been made.

“There hasn’t been and as a result an enforcement notice has been served. I don’t yet have any further details, but a formal planning application will need to be submitted.

“The spikes are brutal and out of character with the adjacent buildings.”
 

The spikes were put up around the roof perimeter at the Tesco Express after burglars climbed through the roof of the store.

However, the metal spikes have not found favour with local residents who described them as 'ugly' and ‘anti-social.’

A Tesco spokesman said yesterday: “After a spate of recent break-ins at our Warndon Express we have installed several new security measures to help protect the store.”

Police and forensics officers were seen outside the shop back in April following one burglary.
Cigarettes were stolen from the Tesco Express on that occasion.
The store was also targeted by thieves as far back as 2012.


On that occasion, the fire brigade were called in after the fire alarm was heard going off at about 5am in the early hours February 9, 2012.


The Worcester News approached Tesco's press office for a comment regarding the planning permission for the spikes but we did not receive a statement before our deadline.