Concerns were raised following works to replace a cable carried out by National Grid on the junction of King Edward Street and Compton, which saw York paving slabs lifted and replaced with an asphalt surface. The works will replace a section of cable from the junction south of Henmore Bridge, along Dig Street to the junction with St John Street.
Further work is planned in the area over the course of this year as part of the Ashbourne Reborn Transformation Project, which will see the pavement and surrounding area being lifted again for investigatory works. For this reason, it was decided that a temporary surface would be a better short-term solution for the area rather than re-laying the York slabs.
The slabs themselves will be stored and then re-used as part of Bus Service Improvement Plan works on Church Street in the town later this year.
The temporary surface on the junction of King Edward Street and Compton which has caused the concern, will be entirely replaced under Ashbourne Reborn Transformation Project’s highways and public realm project, due to start towards the end of this year.
This work will help to transform the pedestrian experience in Ashbourne with wider footways and new and improved crossings around the town centre.
Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Leader Councillor Simon Spencer said:
“We are sorry that residents have been concerned by what has happened to the York paving slabs but we can reassure everyone that the surface put down currently is temporary and will be transformed when all the work is finished.
“The temporary measure is because there will be further works in the area and it was agreed this was the best use of resources to use this surface temporarily rather than re-laying the slabs.
“The slabs themselves will be carefully stored and then re-used to benefit another area of the town when work starts there as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan.
“I can assure all residents that all agencies are working closely to ensure that work around Ashbourne town centre is coordinated to minimise disruption as far as is possible.”