MAKE no mistake, I am grateful to the valiant workers of the highways department of Worcestershire County Council who, braving the inclement weather last Thursday morning, rendered the roadside pavement outside my home in Broad Street just a little easier for pedestrians to pass by in safety.

This, with the ongoing battle with tree root damage is, I recognise, an important piece of essential repair.

Yet, and at risk of being labelled Scrooge-like, is it not disappointing to witness the uneasy patchwork of tar macadam creeping it way up and down, and in some places overtaking the roadside ‘pavements’ of our locality?

Isn’t Broad Street supposed to be part of a conservation area and its infrastructure crucial for giving a good first impression to its many visitors?

In reality, what does that mean? Does this not extend to maintaining the previously elegant looking traditional stone paving?

I hope that this non-paving solution doesn’t drive me as crazy as the enthusiastic banging of the workers did my worried dog!

I trust also that this understandable ‘rapid response’ measure is viewed only as a temporary solution applicable only for a time of so-called austerity.

Mark Jennings

Pershore