WORCESTER’S deputy mayor Andy Roberts has publicly shamed the shabby-looking shops and businesses he believes are harming the image of our beautiful city.

He even went as far as to assemble his own photographic portfolio of properties, including the half-dozen featured on our front page today.

We applaud Councillor Roberts’ efforts to put the state of these properties in the spotlight.

Scruffy buildings are something we should all be concerned about, because they do have a detrimental impact, not just on their immediate neighbours, but on the wider city.

Those in the very worst condition attract vandals, and so become even more unpleasant to look at. Others in a poor state of repair are vulnerable to the weather and they too deteriorate further.

Who would want to invest in a street with such a blighted building for a neighbour?

So it is good to hear the response of most of the property owners we were able to contact.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is discussing the possibility of refurbishing Worcester fire station, TJs Bar is in line for a major revamp, and Elgar House, too, is set for a bright new look.

This investment is particularly impressive given the difficult conditions the credit crunch is causing many organisations.

We hope smartening up their act will give them the benefits they deserve as well as contributing to the common good.