A SIDEMOOR district councillor claims Bromsgrove's High Street has deteriorated so much residents have lost pride in the town centre.

Councillor Athol Deakin (Lab) said the town centre was open to abuse because there was nothing left to respect or take pride in.

He said he had been contacted by a number of people complaining about the state of the High Street, including King George Close resident Fred Stanley who was concerned about the number of delivery vehicles using the road.

Cllr Deakin said: "We met with the police and county council to discuss the situation, but this is just one matter and there are much wider issues.

"The town centre has deteriorated to such a degree that it is open to abuse. There is nothing there to respect. We want to put the pride back in the town, making it more attractive to visitors and a more pleasant place to live."

Cllr Deakin said some of the problems included block paving in the town centre not being replaced and the lack of flowers.

He added: "Businesses could help the problem by tidying up their buildings. The back entrances to many are visible to the public and some need to clean up their acts.

"Action should be taken to smarten the High Street up and make people proud of it again."

Bromsgrove district councillor Rita Dent (Con-St Johns), whose patch includes the town centre, said she walked the High Street regularly and spoke to shopkeepers. "A letter was sent to shops to tell them to keep the rear of the properties tidy, but perhaps they need reminding. As far as the block paving goes these are replaced where possible, but sometimes they are broken so it's not viable.

"All the issues raised by Cllr Deakin have been addressed and everything we can do we have."

Former district council leader Dennis Norton (Con-St Johns) said the High Street was the responsibility of the county not district council.

He added: "We have a plan to enhance the High Street, but it is a county issue and there is considerable finance involved." Cllr Norton said he and Cllr Dent had also contacted North Bromsgrove High School after shop staff said they had seen pupils drop litter.