WORCESTER'S "tired out" High Street is to be transformed to drag it into the 21st Century.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds could be earmarked for the re-vamp - the first since 1977 - after Worcester City Centre Forum condemned it as looking cluttered and out-of-date.

The surface is patched with tarmac, walking is hindered by a cluster of benches, CCTV columns, information boards and litter bins, and there are grooves between paving slabs which catch women's high heels.

Trees lining the High Street reduce light and obscure views of buildings.

"When we paved it in 1977 we were at the vanguard of what local authorities were doing, but now it's very tired out," said John Day, the transportation partnership manager for Worcester.

"It's too early to say what redesigning the area is going to cost, but it I'd estimate it would be the high end of a six-figure sum."

Traders, residents and city councillors are to be canvassed about the proposals.

"I'd like to see concepts prepared by the autumn, so we could agree budgets next year and get started then and try to finish it by autumn 2003," added Mr Day.

"However, when I said this at a meeting with the City Centre Forum I was told this was over-optimistic. It seems we could be looking at completion in 2004."

TECHNOLOGY has come a long way since the days when the High Street was paved nearly 25 years ago.

"When the paving was laid in 1977, there were only about five colours of concrete available," said John Day, the transportation partnership manager for Worcester.

"Basically, we were limited to 1970s patio colours, such as pink or yellow. What we've got at the moment was the best colour we could get.

"At a meeting recently I mentioned that the material dated from 15BC. People looked at me strangely, until I explained BC meant 'before CrownGate', which celebrates its 10th anniversary next year.

"However, material technology has moved on and we've got much more scope."

He refused to be drawn on what sort of designs were in vogue, or where the city might turn for inspiration.

"First we need to decide what we want from the High Street," said Mr Day.

Georgia Smith, the city centre manager, agreed that the street scene was past its sell-by date.

"And it's busier now than before," she said.

"We want to get talking, as soon as possible, with a wide range of people to see how to improve it. It's possible there may be private sector involvement, but it's too early to say at this stage."