‘The paving stones should be replaced’

Town councillors and residents have slammed Western Power Distribution (WPD) for replacing dug up paving stones with tar in a Horncastle conservation area.
By Georgia Burrows
Published 1st Jan 2021, 08:00 GMT
St Mary’s Square, Horncastle.St Mary’s Square, Horncastle.
St Mary’s Square, Horncastle.

Work has been carried out by WPD in St Mary’s Square and currently the paving slabs that were ripped up have been filled in with tar.

WPD say they intend to carry out work to replace the paving stones in the new year.

In email seen by The News, one resident said: “Some company dug up some of the paving stones to do work on the pipes beneath, but then instead of replacing the stones they replaced them with ugly black tar.

The paving slabs which need to be replaced.The paving slabs which need to be replaced.
The paving slabs which need to be replaced.

“The work was carried out in the middle of the conservation area, in probably the most photographed part of Horncastle.

“Of course I don’t know who did the work or who authorised it, but I do think the paving stones should be replaced.”

Another email seen by The News indicated that the Horncastle History and Heritage Society reported the issue to Lincolnshire County Council’s Fix My Street service but ,according to the Society, the job was ‘immediately declined for further action without being investigated or any action taken’.

In the same email chain seen by The News, Lincolnshire County Council said: “WPD carried out emergency works to restore a supply between November 12 and November 18.

“Our Streetworks and Permitting team carried out a defect inspection on November 27 due to 15 broken slabs, with rectification requested.

“A follow up request was made on December 15 due to the deterioration on site, and the broken and dangerous slabs were replaced with temp material to make safe.

“All of these missing slabs will be rectified by Western Power Distribution, obviously taking into account that the correct slab type is used for the permanent reinstatement for this area.

“As ever, please continue to use Fix My Street to register any issues.”

The News contacted WPD for a statement.

A spokesperson from WPD said: “We absolutely acknowledge the area needs to be restored to its original state.

“Currently we are working with our contractors to source the materials that are needed to restore the area.

“We are expecting work to start in early January.”

Related topics:WorkLincolnshire County Council