AN arms-length council property firm have been accused of destroying part of a listed building without prior consultation.

City Property instructed contractors to ‘dig up’ a 115-year-old mosaic outside a property on High Street and replace them with concrete in a move which has shocked locals and elected members alike.

Horrified residents found workmen drilling the artisan entrance to 262 High Street on Tuesday.

The intricate design was condemned to the bin before its previous spot was covered up with concrete.

Members of the Glasgow High Street Merchants Association have described the move as a ‘tiny metaphor for the whole of High Street being destroyed’.

Samantha Coope, of Ladywell Healing And Crystals, said the decision is the latest attack on the area by its landlords.

She added: “Why have City Property done this? The mosaic could have been repaired and restored and an important part of High Street's history.

“We have been dealing with issues caused by City Property for seven years.

"They have increased rent prices and forced people from their businesses. One owner was forced out after just 16-weeks of trading.

“They are not interested in High Street - the historic tenements have been left to rot without repairs.

"Why weren’t repairs carried out before the issues were allowed to escalate and the repair costs increased?

“We have reported rot and damp for years and they haven’t done anything to help.”

Images of the destroyed mosaic have been met with outrage from Lord Provost Eva Bolander.

Writing on social media, she said: “Really sad to see the destruction and little concern for unique detailing.”

David McDonald, depute leader of Glasgow City Council, raised his concerns with the decision by City Property.

He added: "It is concerning if any features for listed buildings have been removed without a plan to replace or repair it."

Lindsay Lennie, of Historic Shop Conservation, added: “If a building is listed, the entire building is listed including the interior, shop front and any mosaic entrances. Consent is needed if your alteration will affect character.”

Shocked local Liam McCabe commented: “Glasgow's history is, unfortunately, littered with examples of callous disregard for the architectural heritage of our city. This is a small example, but an example none the less of the persistence of this ambivalence.

“Get it sorted City Properties, this may be small, but it is an obscenity.”

A spokesman for City Property said: "City Property is carrying out a number shop unit refurbishments in the upper part of the High Street as part of our ongoing investment plans for the area.

"As part of these works we included external upgrades and health and safety improvements.

"The external entrance of 262 High Street had a significantly damaged mosaic floor, with many tiles lifted and a number missing.

"Given the need to present a safe and functional entrance for the shop, a reluctant decision was taken to replace the tiled area with a concrete finish.”