Anger at new paving delay

A controversial city centre paving scheme in Lichfield has been delayed yet again - putting it a total of 11 weeks behind schedule.

The latest delay has been labelled a farce by the business community as traders are continuing to report losses as shoppers go elsewhere to avoid the ongoing disruptions.

It was hoped the £1m scheme would have been completed around next Friday, which would have been 10 weeks late, following initial completion dates of the end of June, and then the end of August.

But Lichfield District Council, which is spearheading the project, has now announced its building contractors have confirmed the project is running around 11 weeks behind schedule.

The majority of works are now expected to be completed within the next three weeks.

Richard Lewis, from the Lichfield Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said this was another example of poor planning.

"The Chamber is extremely disappointed, but not surprised, this date has gone back again," said Mr Lewis.

"It is becoming almost a joke now, the whole thing. If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny."

Councillor Neil Roberts, cabinet member for development services at the council, said: "We are committed to finishing the scheme to the highest possible standard, but the contractors have faced a number of problems beyond our control."