BEWDLEY residents were up in arms this week after cobblestones outside the new Tesco development in Load Street were removed and replaced with an “appalling” square of concrete.

Worcestershire County Council, which carried out the road resurfacing, said it is a temporary solution while the ongoing work on Tesco is complete and the stones will be re-laid.

Mayor of the town, Derek Killingworth, said he was angry that the cobblestones have been replaced.

“I am furious with what has been done to our beautiful town – it’s appalling,” he said.

“The site manager who was carrying out the work was so under siege from the public’s rage he had to ring his bosses to ask them what he should do.

“They say it’s only temporary while the work is going on as large trucks will be driving onto the site, but what will happen when there are deliveries? Will the path have to be resurfaced each time?”

Richard Perrin, chairman of Bewdley Civic Society, echoed the feelings of Mr Killingworth.

“We’re horrified that those lovely cobblestones have been replaced,” he said.

“It spoils the look of that particular conservation area of the town.

“If the cobblestones are not re-laid after the development is complete, we will do everything possible to fix that.”

Simon Petar, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said the road resurfacing was a Worcestershire County Council matter.

Mr Killingworth also raised concerns about the loss of trade for businesses in Severnside North as their access was blocked during the resurfacing.

“They were given no prior warning ,which is disrespectful to their business,” he said.

“I want to have the work investigated if the people of Bewdley have lost money because of what has been done.

“I will make sure the local traders are given the full support and help of the town council.”

Drew Clifford, owner of The Mug House and Angry Chef Restaurant in Severnside North, said: “The main problem during the resurfacing was that residents couldn’t get their cars down there.

“The road being blocked certainly has cost some of the businesses trade.

“We had no prior warning that the road was going to be blocked off and I have been in contact with the council to ask them to prove that notice was given.

“As far as I’m aware there were no signs up in the area indicating the road would be blocked off.”

Work on the development of the old Angel Inn into a Tesco is due to be complete next month.

Mr Petar said: “We look forward to serving the community of Bewdley and cannot wait to get the store open.”