An investigation has been launched into why some stone paving slabs laid a month ago outside Abingdon Town Council's offices have cracked.

The new stone slabs in Abbey Close marked the final part of the £1.2m scheme to revamp the Abbey Grounds, which included improvements to the car park.

But in the last few weeks the tops of some of the York stone blocks have broken and several others have been chipped.

It is likely the blocks will have to be dug up and replaced, but it is not yet clear how much it will cost or who will foot the bill.

Vale of White Horse District Council leader Jerry Patterson said: "It is disappointing to see faults developing in the paving blocks after such a short space of time, but the problem will be resolved.

"We don't want cracked and chipped setts spoiling what has been a big improvement for this area of Abingdon.

"It looks as if the stone used may have been soft and not suitable.

"We have sent samples to an independent laboratory for analysis.

"Once we have more information we will be in talks with the suppliers and contractors about the next stage."

The council is questioning whether the stone is strong enough for a road surface.

York stone was also used in the refurbishment of Faringdon Market Place.

There, the road surface has withstood three years of traffic without problems.

The council, suppliers and contractors will decided the next step once the stone tests have been concluded.

Mr Patterson said: "This problem affects a small area and is not on the scale of the troubles in Oxford a few years ago when the whole of Cornmarket had to be dug up and resurfaced.

"However, it looks as if the blocks in Abbey Close will have to be taken up and replaced.

"As to how much it will cost and who pays - that will be the subject of more talks."

John Myers, managing director at Johnson's, Quarries in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, which supplied the stone, said: "I am very concerned because this has not turned out as it should have done, and we need to get it back on track."

He added: "It looks as if the whole area will have to be relaid.

"It's too early to say what's caused the problem and we will be carrying out tests on the stone. It's not unknown to get some rogue elements in materials.

"We will be working with the council to get a sensible solution to the problem."