STREET cleaners have had to remove chewing gum spat out on brand new Kidderminster paving slabs, just weeks after they were installed.

Councillor John Campion, Wyre Forest District Council cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, revealed the authority had already taken action to clean part of the town centre currently undergoing a £2 million transformation.

He is now appealing to residents to take "extra pride" in Kidderminster as the changes become more visible, with around a third of the new paving slabs already completed.

Councillor John Campion said: "We hope people will notice the positive changes to the town centre and work with us to take extra pride in keeping the place clean and looking good.

"Unfortunately, we have already had to remove chewing gum stuck to the new paving slabs which have only been down for a few weeks.

"We are asking everyone to think again before they drop litter or chewing gum and use the bins provided."

Throughout the summer, the bright new paving work will continue to be laid followed by the installation of new street furniture.

The final part of the £2 million makeover will be outside the Town Hall, to be called Exchange Place. This will showcase a brand new paving display of the Penny Black, the world’s first pre-paid postage stamp introduced by Roland Hill, the great postal reformer, who was born in Blackwell Street in Kidderminster in 1795.