WHEN we improve or extend our home, we expect to create mess. But when the work is finished and the litter removed, we are pleased with an enhanced environment.

The same is true for our High Street. At present it looks like a building site because, of course, it is a building site.

The refurbishment is mainly a county council project - nearly £1m from the county with the city council contributing £180,000 for new street furniture, bins, signs and lighting.

All of this is being done on the back of a county council casualty reduction road scheme.

Otherwise the city council would never be able to enhance the High Street. It is a clever move to piggyback the two. Yes, the work has taken longer than expected, caused by unearthing mediaeval cellars.

Infuriating

This is part and parcel of living in a historic city - always interesting, but sometimes infuriating.

The trees are being replaced at least one-for-one, after widespread consultation and a public exhibition in the Guildhall. This was always the plan, contrary to Greenpeace's inaccurate claims.

The city council has the vision to improve our city for visitor and resident alike.

The Cathedral Square needs a high quality revamp but at present there isn't the money. The council will back a design competition to generate a scheme worthy of our city and assist in gaining funding.

Inconvenience is a necessary but temporary means of gaining an even better Worcester than the one we have now.

F D LANKESTER

Cabinet Member for Tourism,

Worcester City Council.