REGENERATION bosses have vowed to complete the transformation of Kidderminster town centre areas on time despite encountering problems.

Wyre Forest District Council’s public realm scheme, which is part of a wider £2million improvement programme, continues with new seating and street lamps being installed in Vicar Street and High Street.

But contractors Casey Group will have to re-lay some of the new paving stones in the area to ensure they meet the authority’s quality standards.

The council also took the decision to install the new street lights after the paving had been installed due to concerns about delays to the completion date. This work required some stones having to be taken up before being re-laid again.

Councillor John Campion, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration at Wyre Forest District Council, confirmed that none of the problems encountered during the work has incurred any cost to the authority.

He said: “We are looking forward to lighting up the new street lamps which are now being installed in Vicar Street and High Street.

“We have been asked why the lamps have gone in after the new paving was laid.

“The lamps were not installed first as the delivery lead time would have held up the overall project so when the paving was laid, our contractors pre-prepared the holes ready to accommodate the new lamp posts when they arrived.

“Look out for the new specially made vinyl stack seating which will be installed soon outside the Swan Centre. The seats have been specially designed to reflect the music heritage of the town and will be part of the new Music Heritage Trail due to be launched next summer. “

He added: “We are working with our contractor to resolve the issues and to meet our quality standards.

“The remedial work will not incur any additional cost to the council.

“We would like to reassure residents that everyone involved has the best interests of the place at heart and when complete, the new look streets will be a credit to Kidderminster Town Centre and a pleasure to visit.

“We would also like to thank retailers, workers, residents and visitors for their co-operation and interest whilst the work is being done.”

“The work in High Street/Vicar Street is planned to be complete in time for Christmas ready to start the next phase on the new Penny Black Square outside the Town Hall.”