CONCERNS have been raised about an "atrocious" patch of tarmac at the entrance to the newly-refurbished Kidderminster Town Hall - prompting bosses to reassure residents.
People have complained about the unsightly piece of tarmac which looks out of place amongst the paving at the front of the landmark building on Vicar Street after its £12million revamp.
The Grade II-listed town hall reopened at the start of November after major upgrades, including a courtyard bar and cafe and new dressing rooms, in a proud moment for the town.
But some people have complained about the patch of tarmac saying it "looks a mess" and "atrocious" and is ruining the look of the entrance.
This has prompted the town hall put out a message to people reassuring them that the patch will be fixed by Cadent which is trying to "source replacement stone to match the original finish."
It said Cadent created the patch while moving a gas meter.
A spokesperson for the town Hall said on Monday (January 12): "We are aware of concerns raised regarding the temporary tarmac finish at the front of Kidderminster Town Hall.
"The issue was caused during the relocation of a gas meter by Cadent Gas as part of essential utility works.
"The Town Council has already paid for these works and Cadent are responsible for reinstating the surface.
"Cadent have confirmed they are sourcing replacement stone to match the original finish and will be carrying out the repair as soon as possible.
"We appreciate residents bringing this to our attention and thank you for your patience while this is resolved.
"Updates will be shared as soon as we receive confirmed timescales."
Neil Price, aged 74, said: "They spent all that money and it looks a mess."
Another resident who didn't want to be named said: "That patch is atrocious. They spent all that money and look at what they have left behind.
"I don't understand why they spent £12million, they obviously didn't shop around very well."
Wyre Forest District Council helped Kidderminster Town Council to regenerate the Town Hall with funding secured through the government's Levelling Up programme, which has seen £17.9 million investment in Kidderminster town centre.
Craig Hansbury, Head of Operational Delivery at Cadent said: “Due to third party building works in the area at the time of our original works, we were unable to carry out the permanent reinstatement of the original gas meter.
“We are now working hard to source the correct materials, so we can complete the reinstatement of a new gas meter.
“While we are not yet able to confirm a timeframe, we want to reassure the community that we are working to complete the repair as quickly and as safely as possible.”
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