TRIBUTES have been paid to a late councillor who was one of the driving forces behind a now completed revamp of a busy town centre.

Worcestershire County Council is celebrating the completion of a £400,000 scheme to improve roads and pathways in the main shopping areas of Uptonupon- Severn.

But Coun John Smith cabinet members for highways and transport, took a moment to pay tribute to Coun Bob Bullock, a former county council leader who represented the Croome ward right up until he passed away in March.

“Work started when Bob Bullock was still around and it was he who pushed the project forward. It’s so sad he’s not here to see the work completed,” said Coun Smith.

He added that he is “extremely pleased” with the results of Upton’s makeover.

“As a vibrant town with a strong tourist-focussed economy, the enhancements to the town centre access, particularly the focus on sustainable transport such as cycling, walking and buses will complement the historic nature of the town,” he said. “The effects of the improvements will hopefully see a boost to the number of visitors in the main shopping area and improve the area for residents and tourists alike.”

The work has been carried out by county contractor Ringway.

Contracts manager Chris Dovey said: “We would like to thank everyone in Upton for their patience.

“This was not a straightforward project and there were certainly some challenges, which we had to overcome.”

Upton’s mayor, Peter Webb, said the work, which is part of Worcestershire’s Local Transport Plan, is a big boost for the town.

“We’ve been waiting for several years for this work to be done and it’s a great relief to see the town looking pristine once again,” he said.

Annette Keyworth, chairman of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, said: “'We would like to thank Worcestershire County Council and their contractor for a brilliant job well done.

“We strongly support and appreciate what has been done, in particular the additional work that was carried out over and beyond the original scheme such as the work on New Road. It will help put Upton firmly on the map.”