OWNERS of the Riverside Centre in Evesham will begin essential repair work on the Town Hall building this week.

The surrounding pathway has been blocked off for months now. Members of the public have been complaining about the hazardous conditions the pavement has been left in.

Joe Lewis, manager of nearby Chancers bar said: "I think it is appalling this area of the pavement has been blocked off for so long. I see near misses happening every day with elderly people and young mothers with families. I am amazed more serious accidents have not occurred."

Evesham carpenter Bruce Hodgkins, 55, was left with a fractured rib and bruising when he collided with a motorbike trying to cross the road near the blocked pavement.

He took two weeks off work and says he continues to suffer from his injuries.

He said: "My rib took an awfully long time to heal and still causes problems with my breathing."

Riverside Centre manager Bob Carr confirmed scaffolding would be going up this week to allow essential work on roof tiles and guttering to begin.

He said the pathway had been blocked off for so long whilst a survey was carried out and financial backing was confirmed.

Mr Carr said: "We regret that it has taken so long but we do know our responsibilities and we are dealing with them."