A COUNCILLOR says she is “very upset” that carpet tiles at Wyre Forest District Council’s new headquarters were not made in Kidderminster.

A freedom of information request obtained by Independent Community and Health Concern councillor Mary Rayner showed Wyre Forest House’s carpet tiles were supplied by a Lichfield-based agent of Danish manufacturers Ege.

Other carpets at the offices were supplied by global company Interface, whose UK offices are based in Halifax.

Rita Bancroft, Brintons Carpets spokeswoman, told The Shuttle Axminster tiles were made in Kidderminster by the firm, which “could have made the building’s carpet tiles, if asked”.

A Victoria spokesman said tile manufacturing and production was done at its factory in Kidderminster.

Conservative councillor John Campion, district council leader, said the building had to produce savings of £500,000 per year.

“In terms of the carpet procurement, a bespoke system was needed to meet the design specification,” he added.

“Our contractors conducted a competitive tender using leading carpet tile manufacturers and suppliers who could match the quality and cost parameters required.”

Mrs Rayner said: “Kidderminster and Wyre Forest was known for carpets and still have excellent carpet produced here and we go to Denmark.

“Why go outside of the place which is the capital of the carpet industry? I think people would feel it is not very loyal to Kidderminster and, personally, I am really upset about it.”

At the official opening last month of Wyre Forest House at Finepoint Way, Carpet Museum Trust historian Melvyn Thompson said he was “very disappointed” with the fact the carpet tiles had not been sourced from Kidderminster.