SOME new trees and tarmac – Worcester’s scaled-down and delayed riverside regeneration works have received a mixed reaction from walkers, cyclists and runners.

People have not exactly been blown away by the revamped east side section after it reopened to the public on Saturday – the pathway had been closed for about four months.

The councillor now overseeing the project has defended the work which forms part of a £1 million scheme aimed at breathing new life into the circular route on both sides of the river Severn linking Diglis and Worcester Bridge.

Among passers-by yesterday, Jackie Berry, a 49-year-old shop assistant manager of St John’s, Worcester, said: “It’s nice to have some nice new trees but it’s just a shame it has taken so long.

“I’m a bit disappointed with the surfacing and different colours considering how much money it cost.”

Martine O’Callaghan, of Coolcanals Guides, said: “I’m just glad it has finally reopened. We have just been in the Diglis Hotel and they were saying the work has been a bit crushing on their trade.”

When asked what she thought of the works she said: “Tarmac is tarmac is tarmac.”

However, Gail Morgan, a probation officer, of Bromsgrove, who sometimes works in Worcester, said: “It’s really pleasant down by the river, always has been. I’m very pleased with the works.”

We reported in last Thursday’s Worcester News how the scheme, which includes new trees, Yorkstone paving around the Watergate, block paving, and will see new seating and interpretations of natural and social history installed at key points, has been scaled down to keep it on budget.

A viewing platform is the most notable casualty although the council has since denied that was ever intended to be part of the scheme despite previously issuing an artist’s impressions of it.

Responding to queries about whether the riverside closures could have been done in sections the city council said that was not possible because the pipework containing electric cable between the South Quay fountains to the Worcester/Birmingham canal had to be laid in one go.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for economic prosperity, said he thought this phase of work had laid the foundations for the council to add further improvements to the riverside in the future.

The riverside walkway is now open to the public but some areas are restricted for safety reasons.

• Do you like the development? Let us know your thoughts below.