AN ELDERLY widower claims he was sworn at by a contractor who later stomped tarmac onto the artificial grass in his beloved garden.

Patrick Molloy claims he politely asked the contractors to take care around his astroturf as they resurfaced paths in Pine Close, Fernhill Heath.

As the 82-year-old walked away he heard one of the workers swear.

Later, a contractor then walked from the path on to Mr Molloy's artificial grass leaving black footprints all over the material.

Ringway said it was aware of the damage and has launched an investigation to establish the full facts.

Mr Molloy said: "I watched him walk up and down it.

"He was able to walk on the path. There were two of them and one was walking on the path where it had been taken up while the other went on my astroturf.

"There was no need to walk on it.

"I was polite. At my age, 82, I wouldn't abuse anyone.

"After I heard him swear I just turned around and said there is nothing wrong with my hearing.

"There was no apology.

"All the neighbours have been talking about how bad their language has been."

Mr Molloy's late wife Jean had carefully tended to the garden where they have lived for nine years which always drew a lot of admiration from neighbours.

When Mrs Molloy died last year, their son put down artificial grass as it would be easier for the pensioner to take care of.

"Jean was absolutely wonderful. The garden is so beautiful because Jean did it up so nicely.

"It's lovely, we've always had a beautiful garden and people always say how lovely it is." 

Neighbours who saw the damage rallied around and got to work removing the stains.

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Mr Molloy, who needs a walker and mobility scooter to get around, said: "When people around here saw what had happened and knew I couldn't clean it they came out with Fairy liquid and scrubbed it all off.

"They are ever so good. Wonderful, wonderful people.

"They will put my bins out for me, they ask if I need anything from the shops and will give me a hand when they see me out.

"I couldn't believe it when they turned up to scrub it off - they are so nice, every one of them."

Richard Fryer, Ringway divisional manager working on behalf of Worcestershire County Council, said: "We are aware of this complaint and are dealing directly with this resident.

"An investigation is underway to ascertain the full facts regarding this incident.

"We are also aware of a small area of artificial turf which has been contaminated with bitumen and we will ensure the damage is repaired as a matter of priority."