A WORCESTERSHIRE councillor has blasted highways bosses for "ripping off the taxpayer" in an extraordinary broadside.

Councillor Richard Udall says Worcestershire County Council has hatched a deal with its contractor Ringway which is an unfair "money making machine" against the public.

Back in 2013 bosses at County Hall signed a new deal with Ringway to manage the roads and provide the council's highways service.

Councillor Udall says the deal means any person or organisation looking to install a dropped kerb or crossing on their land must get Ringway to do it, stopping any shopping around.

He says the "monopoly" is hampering people's ability to get a better deal, blaming the Conservative leadership for it and claiming the agreement has "failed" the public.

"Ringway's contract was renewed in 2013, allowing them to be the only highways contractor which can install footway crossings or dropped kerbs," he said.

"Previously residents could choose between a list of 'approved contractors' and shop around for the cheapest deal - that right has now been removed.

"Only Ringway can do the work and charge, on average over £1,000 for every footway crossing they do."

Speaking during a full council meeting, he said "residents in the know" say they can get it done cheaper and claim estimated profit margins to be "in excess of 250 per cent" on the current rates.

"Was outsourcing the work supposed to make it more commercial, competitive and affordable, if so it has failed," added Councillor Udall.

He also criticised a decision to not allow people on poorer incomes to pay in instalments.

His blast was rejected by Councillor Marcus Hart, the cabinet member for highways, who said he did "not agree" with any of it.

"I know this has been an issue for you in your St John's division in Worcester, and indeed there was a review of the dropped kerb service that you'll be aware of," he said.

"There has been an issue when there's been a request by members of the public to pay for dropped kerbs by instalments, it was looked at and deemed not feasible.

"I've already spoken with officers about dropped kerbs and the cost, I'll look at it again."

He added: "But I'm sure colleagues would agree that Ringway do inordinate amounts of work across the county."

Ringway charges £50 for renewing a dropped kerb while new crossing constructions cost around £86 per square metre, with the firm calling it the "best value" people will find.

The prices have been signed off by Worcestershire County Council under the deal.

The Worcester News has contacted Ringway for comment.