Poor State of Guildford’s Iconic Granite Setts Makes Aldermen Ashamed

Published on: 14 Feb, 2013
Updated on: 16 Feb, 2013

Setts of shame: in Chapel Street setts have become so loose they have lifted and disappeared leaving a possible trip hazard for pedestrians

Two honourary aldermen and former mayors of Guildford want council action to fix the the granite setts in the High Street and Chapel Street.

Hon Aldermen Bernard Parke and Gordon Bridger

Gordon Bridger said: “One feels quite ashamed when one returns to Guildford after visiting almost any European city. They often have setts similar to those here and they are all kept in an excellent state of repair.

“It is particularly appalling that this is happening in a town which is one of the most affluent, far better off than many of our European counterparts.

“I realise that this is a Surrey County Council issue, not a borough responsibility, although the borough has conceded joint funding, simply to get some action. If there are contractual issues that are preventing real progress then heads should be knocked together.”

Bernard Parke added: “When you think of what some tax payers money is being spent on, trips to China and awaydays to Farnham Castle, surely it is more important to properly maintain a major icon of our county town.

It is also an important part of our heritage which we must protect. Perhaps this shows, even more, that we need a town council to take control over town issues.”

Cllr James Palmer (Con, Shalford, Lead Councillor for the Town Centre) responded to the story, saying: “I have seen your article about the High Street setts. I agree with Bernard Parke and Gordon Bridger that further work is required, and putting tarmac down is totally unacceptable.

“I have been discussing this with county councillor Mark Brett-Warburton (as chairman of the Guildford Local Committee) and SCC Local Transportation manager, John Hilder, and they accept that parts of the High Street need repairing.

“As Gordon says, GBC has contributed financially towards repairs in the past and worked with SCC on this issue. Officers from GBC and SCC are meeting soon on site, and both Cllr Brett Warburton and I will be pressing for a definite action plan to improve the condition of the High Street.”

Tarmac patching is constantly in evidence on a high street with some of the highest business rates outside London

Asphalt patching is constantly in evidence on a high street with some of the highest business rates outside London.

What do you think? Don’t forget you can easily have your say by using the ‘Leave a Reply’ feature below…

Responses to Poor State of Guildford’s Iconic Granite Setts Makes Aldermen Ashamed

Brian Matthews Reply

February 14, 2013 at 12:35 pm

Totally agree, the ‘cobbled’ High Street should be something for the locals of Guildford to be proud of but it is currently an embarrassment.
I was particularly surprised that the Tour of Britain cycle races awarded Guildford with the privilage of hosting the final sprint up the High St, an event which I thought sure would make SCC repair and make good all the setts but alas no.
I winced when I saw the cyclists riding over loose setts and pot holes and was both amazed and relieved to see no crashes resulted from these.
Martin Giles Reply

February 14, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Please see Cllr James Palmer’s response to this story, appended to the end of the article.
Roger Marjoribanks Reply

February 14, 2013 at 4:56 pm

I entirely agree with my fellow two aldermen and thank Cllr. Palmer for his rapid response.

The High Street is Guildford’s “Jewel in the Crown” and should be constantly treated as such.

In spite of the collection of rubbishy chain shops (and we have been lucky to avoid more than a few architectural disgraces) we have a marvellous heritage which surely all of us can unite to preserve.
Bibhas Neogi Reply

February 15, 2013 at 5:44 am

Yes, granite setts are the pride and joy of ancient Guildford and must be restored without any delay. I say bring back the horse-drawn carriages and ban all those ghastly things on four wheels from entering Guildford.
The melodious sound of hoofs and accompanying smell of horses are desperately needed to improve Guildford’s environment and traffic situation.
In the meantime, write voluminous responses to Council’s proposals over most of which they appear to have no control.
Guildford’s residents should launch a massive campaign to restore Guildford to the days when no mechanised transportation was invented.
There you have the ideal solution!
John Schluter Reply

February 16, 2013 at 5:08 pm

I quite agree, then when all the setts have been repaired, perhaps they can then start on the numerous pot holes decorating our roads.
Hugh Anscombe Reply

March 21, 2013 at 7:12 pm

Although curiously they are a relatively recent arrival, having been laid in 1868-70 under the supervision of Henry Peake, who was Borough Surveyor at the time, they are absolutely key to the feel of the present-day High Street and must be treated as such.