Fire-hit shops work delays

A fire-ravaged complex of shops, offices and flats in Kidderminster will be standing derelict for several months after restoration work hit a series of setbacks.

Brian Murdoch, owner of the Coventry Street properties blame lengthy delays with his insurance claim.

The buildings have been empty since arsonists struck in July. Mr Murdoch, aged 68, who rents them out to seven businesses, said: "Everybody is ready to get the job done but we have to wait for the insurance company to give the go-ahead. I am very disillusioned about the whole insurance claim process and I am disappointed with its slowness. Six months seems to be acceptable to them but its not acceptable to me.

"On January 1, it will have been six months since the fire. I really thought the work would have been finished by now. It had been going really well but now we are just waiting."

Rubble and debris has been cleared from the inside the building containing the Treasury, which was the worst affected property, but a new roof and new internal walls still need to be fitted.

Properties either side have been repainted, but need electricity installed before they are ready.