The bit they left behind: Pillar an ugly reminder of Shrewsbury's old Kwik Fit

This unsightly pillar is all that remains of the former Kwik Fit garage in Abbey Foregate, which has been knocked down to make way for a new retirement village.

Developer McCarthy and Stone is carrying out the work.

But the pillar that has been left behind sits between the new Stiperstones Court development and the Grade II-listed black and white building that houses the local post office.

Caroline Jones, who runs the post office, said she had been sent from pillar to post in her quest to get a reply over the "eyesore".

"I have been told it will be rendered but no-one has discussed it with me," said Caroline. "At the moment it looks pretty awful.

"I have been in contact with the developers who say it was signed off by Shropshire Council's planning and conservation officers. But I know this is not the case and that discussions are now taking place to sort the issue out."

Because of the way the pillar is constructed and joins to the post office, to remove it would have meant that new roofing materials would have been needed to be installed on the post office building. "It is absolutely bonkers," said Caroline. "I am not against development but they should know better. They should not have left it looking like that."

A spokesman for Shropshire Council confirmed that a planning officer and a conservation officer were in discussions with McCarthy and Stone over the matter.

Tim Lightfoot, construction director at McCarthy and Stone West Midlands, said: "Works at the Stiperstones Court development are ongoing.

"On completion of the works, the height of the pier, which supports the Post Office, will be reduced and the front of the pier will be rendered."

"We are in weekly contact with local planners and conservation officers regarding this, and we have ensured the party wall surveyor appointed by the postmistress has been kept updated."