Anger over hoardings

A lack of action in brightening up hoardings around a proposed multi-million pound redevelopment site in Kidderminster has been criticised by traders.

The hoardings, branded a blot on the landscape, have been put up by officials from Wilson Bowden who are planning a £38 million scheme in Worcester Street.

But nearby traders are concerned that no date has been set for the work to begin - and the hoardings will remain until the project gets under way.

One trader says his business is being obscured by the hoardings and has urged them to be made more attractive so passers-by are not put off.

Dave Hipkiss, landlord at the Boars Head Taphouse in Worcester Street, was shocked when hoardings went up around the site in front of his pub.

Mr Hipkiss asked if art students from Kidderminster College could be allowed to paint them to make them more presentable.

But while council officials said it seemed a good idea and gave the scheme their backing nothing has happened.

Now Mr Hipkiss, aged 64, has called for action to create a focal point to brighten up the area.

He said: "The Littlewoods and Woolworths buildings are empty at the top of the street and there have been many other closures.

"It seems this part of the town is victimised. People are frightened about parking here because of a 15 minute limit.

"Meanwhile while all the signs seem geared towards Weavers Wharf, we miss out and trade along Worcester Street is falling away.

"I want to see something done about the hoardings that creates a focal point.

"We desperately need something in Worcester Street that people talk about and want to come and see."

He called for Wyre Forest District Council to get things moving so that instead of plain green hoardings people in Worcester Street have something to view.