PAVING slabs ripped up and replaced with tarmac in Worcester city centre have now been returned to their original condition.

Block paving slabs were laid in New Street last October, but were dug up by Western Power Distribution to carry out emergency electrical repairs.

Last week, Worcester City Council leader, Councillor Adrian Gregson, labelled the tarmac repair work "shoddy" and called for the original pavement to be re-installed.

But Worcestershire County Council stressed the tarmac was a "temporary measure" and that matching block paving had been supplied to replace the material removed.

And, over two evenings this week, the block paving was reinstated - at the expense of Western Power.

Cllr Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcestershire County Council, said: "It is always unfortunate when emergency works by utility companies result in a recently resurfaced street being dug up.

"However, as stated last week these were emergency works and the plan was always to reinstate the paving slabs.

"The slabs are currently being re-laid at the expense of Western Power, and I'm pleased that the pavements on New Street will soon be restored to their former good quality condition."

Worcester City Council leader Adrian Gregson said: "I'm pleased that they were doing the work, but there was no indication they were going to do the work before there was adverse publicity.

"There are other incidences around the city where the road repairs are not particularly attractive. I hope this is the start of a plan to improve that situation.

"I do welcome the fact that they are doing it now."

Speaking last week, Cllr Gregson said: "The point is there was a lot of time and effort invested in upgrading that street and in less than a year it has been ruined. I just think it is a complete waste of money.

"It is a turn-off for people because it just looks a mess. If we have got any commitment to the city and its attractiveness then we have got to make sure we are not letting the standards drop."