LEGAL action could begin in a bid to recoup the cost of repairing Worcester's damaged High Street.

Marks, scratches and dents have begun to appear on the aggregate surface laid late last year as part of a £1.3m redevelopment.

Stuart McNidder, head of development services, told a meeting of the city council's scrutiny committee that money for mending the problems would not be coming from the authority.

His comments came after he was challenged by the leader of the opposition Labour group, Coun Adrian Gregson, about the possible rising cost.

"It's likely to cost a little bit more than was expected - is that entirely going to be covered by the county council?" asked Coun Gregson.

"Presumably someone will be challenging the designer. Surely we're not pouring more money into that pit until it is sorted?"

"The cost the city council is contributing is £180,000, most of which is for specific projects like restoring litter bins," said Mr McNidder.

"The county council is trying to find a little bit more money for works to be completed. The city council is not being asked, and is not offering, to pay any more."

Mr McNidder said it was difficult to comment precisely about how the work would be paid for as legal proceedings may be started but added: "The other parties, designers and contractors, have been warned about actions and summons."

The exchange came as councillors assessed the authority's budget plans. Concerns included whether a scheme to fine for dropping litter and dog fouling would extend across the whole city.

They were told that the extent of the project depended on whether police agreed community support officers could help with enforcement.