• Cost of works (compared with resurfacing in tarmac)
• Quality of finish
• Junctions with Slinn Street and Northfield Road
• Noise from traffic navigating the cobbled surface

I had a long discussion with the site supervisor and one of the men who will be hands-on doing this work, putting these questions to them. They were enthusiastic about the project, showing me with pride some photos of a beautifully reconstructed cobbled street they had completed in Brightside, and keenly filling me in on some detail of the WR works.

There is a large stock of setts at the Olive Grove depot, which will be drawn upon to replace any broken or missing ones on Western Road. No extra cost incurred. Where the lie of the cobbles is uneven, they will be lifted and re-set. Everything will be blast-cleaned and re-pointed, to provide a safer and quieter surface.

The junctions to Slinn Street and Northfield Road have solutions planned involving extending and/or raising the tarmac surface to provide a smooth and safe transition between surfaces.

This is what we can expect from Amey for Western Road. I do know it’s not what some residents had hoped for, and that some have been quite firmly against it. I’m not totally clear on how the decision to retain the exposed setts came about, but I am reassured that the intention is to do a high-quality and visually pleasing job that enhances the heritage qualities of this lovely street. The proof of the pudding will come once the job is complete.

If anyone has any concerns or reservations about the work being done, please do not hesitate to get in touch.”

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