DEVELOPERS have been accused of “negligence” and “rank carelessness” after a piece of Worcester’s 19th century industrial heritage was stolen while held in their care.

Solihull-based firm Greenvilla Developments had promised to refurbish and restore an old canalside crane as part of its development of new homes around the canal basin at Diglis. The crane was to stand on the towpath as a reminder of Worcester’s proud industrial past.

But Greenvilla has been strongly criticised by city councillors and a waterways charity after the crane was stolen from a lock-up while awaiting restoration.

Now city planners are insisting the firm pays for the construction of an exact replica of the crane as a condition of its planning agreement.

Speaking at a meeting of Worcester City Council’s planning committee, the council’s deputy leader Barry Mackenzie-Williams said: “Having the crane stolen is a sign of rank carelessness on behalf of the people who had it in their care. This is not like having a wallet stolen – this is a substantial piece of metal.”

Labour councillor Roger Berry agrees.

He said: “This developer has been – unfortunate would be one word – certainly negligent in protecting our heritage.”

And in a strongly-worded letter, canals and rivers charity the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) made its feelings crystal clear.

Chairman Vaughan Welch said: “IWA is deeply concerned the applicant failed to properly conserve the crane and allow it to be stored in such a way as to enable it to be stolen – especially given the current well-known demand for scrap metal that has increased metal theft in the last three years.”

The committee agreed Greenvilla must install a high-quality replica crane for Worcester’s canalside within the next 18 months.

It has also insisted the company must restore the neglected towpath around the development within 12 months of the first property becoming occupied.

Some councillors felt this gave the developer too much leeway, but senior planning officer Alan Coleman told them: “It’s a maximum period of time.

“The pressure on the developer is to complete sooner rather than later because they will want to fill the properties – and they’ll find it hard to do so once potential buyers are told they would be liable for future enforcement action if these conditions have not yet been met.”

A spokesman for Greenvilla told your Worcester News: “We are dealing with the council on this matter, and we’re hoping to rectify it.”