CONTROVERSIAL work to regenerate Kidderminster town centre is finally set to end after months of delays.

Last month, The Shuttle reported how angry Wyre Forest District Council bosses had blamed poor workmanship by contractors for preventing their £2million public realm project from being completed on time.

It was originally scheduled to be finished in April this year before the anticipated end date first started being put back.

But the authority said it will finally be substantially complete by the end of this month with final snagging work underway.

The project is aimed at improving the area including Exchange Street, Oxford Street, Vicar Street and High Street, as well as the creation of a new public square outside Kidderminster Town Hall.

This has involved the re-paving of areas in those locations and the installation of new street furniture and lighting.

But the investment sparked heavy criticism with businesses Top Stitchers, Three Lions Food Company and Harvey’s blaming the work for huge revenue losses that forced them to close.

And the ‘shared space’ outside the town hall – in which pedestrians are given priority over traffic passing through - was slammed by UKIP town councillors and activist who labelled it dangerous.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said: “Following the disappointment of the original works in Exchange Street that had to be re-done, the Deputy Leader of the Council and I met with senior representatives of our contractor, Caseys.

“I articulated in the strongest possible terms on behalf of residents and businesses my frustration at the considerable delay.

“We had a very productive meeting and both parties were able to have a frank dialogue about the delays to completing the works and I’m very pleased to be able to report that the works are substantially complete now and Caseys are undertaking the final ‘snagging’ work”.

Deputy leader Ian Hardiman, Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Regeneration added: “In partnership with Worcestershire County Council we have invested £2m in the public realm works in Kidderminster and we’re pleased and relieved that the work is nearing completion and that that we can now see what the significant investment looks like.

“We are pleased that the brighter, cleaner spaces are clear to see and that residents have a town centre to be proud of. The next focus of attention is the regeneration project to re-open Worcester Street to traffic.”

Mike Cafferky Operations Director of Caseys, said: “We do understand the frustrations of the Council and residents and we have done everything we can as work has progressed to address these concerns.

“It is unfortunate that the works have taken longer than we would all have liked and we understand the impact the delays have had on the day to day operation of the town centre and its businesses.

"However, we hope people are pleased with the final result. The open area outside the Town Hall is already proving to be a popular meeting place and the new seating is getting plenty of use!”