The scaffolding outside McColl's in Highworth has been given a festive makeover after the Adver reported on complaints about delayed maintenance work to the shopfront.

Earlier this week, concerned resident and Highworth councillor Keith Smith called the scaffolding "disgusting" and was furious that the developers had left the work so late because it disrupted plans for the town's Christmas decorations.

Lights could not be put up and mini Christmas trees could not be placed on the newsagent's balcony to match the rest of the High Street's decorations.

McColl's staff have now spruced up the scaffolding with some colourful tinsel just in time for the Christmas lights to be switched on.

Emma Blake and her colleague Sam put the decorations up on Friday morning.

Emma said: "We just wanted to brighten it up a bit.

"Customers have come in and said how nice it is."

Keith said: "I am delighted that the staff feel strongly that they do not want to let the town down.

"It has certainly turned a dismal display into a delightful Christmas scene. Well done!"

According to Keith, maintenance work on the shop was supposed to begin in September, but nothing has happened two months on and a window which was smashed in May is still boarded up and has yet to be replaced.

A spokesperson for McColl's said: "We are due to start some work on improving the look and feel of the McColl’s on Highworth’s High Street next week.

“The scaffolding will be up for a short period.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused while we improve your local store.”