All Set For The Completion of the High Street Setts Project

Published on: 28 Jul, 2016
Updated on: 10 Aug, 2016

Work commences on the final section of the High Street to have the granite setts relaid. While this section is being worked on normal vehicle access to the High Street is impossible.

Work to relay the High Street granite setts is nearing completion. One workman said that he thought the final section, by the barrier outside Marks & Spencer, would be completed by the end of next week (ending August 6).

A digger, workmen and a big hole – what more does a young lad need to keep him happy and full of interest?

The £1 million project, carried out by Merrill Construction, commenced in February this year (2016) after many years of complaints about the poor state of the High Street surface, often made worse by areas poorly repaired  following road works to repair or install under road services.

One of the workmen said that the final section would be completed next week.

The setts were first laid in 1868, and work took more than a year. Therefore, they date to not as long ago as some people imagine, and the street is often described as “cobbled”, technically incorrect when the surface is made up of dressed granite setts (cobbles are more rounded, naturally shaped stones).

To many whether setts or cobbles they are now an essential component of the High Street’s historic character

Further up the High Street and area has been barricaded as an area for project stores.

Councillor Caroline Reeves (Lib Dem, Friary & St Nicolas) said: “Everyone will be pleased to see the completion of the relaying of the High Street setts in early August.

Cllr Caroline Reeves

“The team have done a fantastic job and as Cllr Pauline Searle (Lib Dem, Stoughton) said at the council meeting on July 26, it so good to hear residents making complimentary comments about the craftsmanship of the workmen.

“The random yellow line markings on the re-cycled setts will be removed and, I believe, there will be no new yellow lines painted. All the signage and street furniture is also being reviewed to un-clutter the High Street, plus the long awaited new rubbish bins will be installed soon.”

And near the top the penultimate section is ready for jointing with mortar.

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