Footway replacement work will be starting in Sherborne in the New Year.
Starting on Monday 4 January, for around 10 weeks, Dorset Highways will be removing sections of damaged paving slabs along Ridgeway and replacing them with asphalt.
The first areas being targeted for replacement have high levels of damage and pose a significant trip hazard, making them difficult for vulnerable pedestrians to navigate.
At the same time as improving the pavement condition, additional dropped kerbs will also be installed to increase accessibility.
In order to create a safe working area, sections of pavement will be closed and two-way temporary traffic signals will be used to control traffic around the works zone.
The old slabs being removed will be recycled into a base material for footways elsewhere in the Dorset Council area.
It is hoped that further phases of work to improve the pavement condition in Ridgeway will be possible, subject to additional funding being secured.
Good afternoon,
Having just read your environmental policy I am puzzled about why you are planning to use a non-porous replacement for paving slabs. It is well known that tarmac and asphalt contribute to flooding risk whereas the gaps between paving allow water to drain away. Can you comment on this decision please.
Removing the paving slabs and replace it with asphalt will spoil the appearance of the area and, as it softens in hot weather, will make walking difficult in the summer.
Asphalt also shrinks away from the surrounding areas and this was the cause of a nasty fall I had in Westbridge Park a few weeks ago.
It is difficult to understand the length of time being allowed for the work unless the good slabs are also being removed to be relaid to else where.
The slabs are being broken up on removal, a complete waste of good paving slabs.
The dropped kerbs throughout Sherborne need attention. Especially in Acreman Street. Also the paving slabs in Horsecastles are very dangerous and the crossing by the cross roads of Acreman Street, Horsecastles and Trendle Street the road is very badly damaged.
Hi Margaret, you can report any concerns you have about pavement condition using our online form: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roads-highways-maintenance/report-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement.aspx this will get passed to the local community highways officer to assess for any necessary action.