Work is underway in Blandford Forum to replace the worn and slippery paving in the town centre – with seven unique slabs being retained.
Dorset Highways started a twelve-week programme of work on 6 September to improve conditions for pedestrians by replacing the paving in the heart of the market town.
The existing limestone paving is susceptible to polishing, which is causing them to become slippery in wet weather, posing a hazard to residents and visitors.
Cracked and uneven slabs are also frequently in need of repair, with some areas having been removed and replaced with a black bitumen surface not in keeping with the historic setting of the area. This was one of the reasons the town was placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register.
Around 1,800m² of paving is being replaced, but seven individual inscribed paving stones are being carefully removed and will be reinstated back into position.
The highways project team has worked with Dorset Council conservation officers and Blandford Town Council to select the new, textured, concrete slabs to ensure a good match for the original stone – with advice and guidance taken from Historic England during the process.
Cllr Cherry Brooks, Dorset Council Lead Member for Highways, said: “We’ve been working hard on this project behind the scenes for quite some time to design a scheme which is fitting for the historic heart of Blandford as well as providing value for money.”
The work has been split into short sections, of two weeks work, with two gangs working on site simultaneously to minimise disruption to pedestrians. Footways are being closed in the immediate works area to provide a safe working space.
Sections of paving being replaced:
- 6 September – Sheep Market Hill to Church Lane, plus Crown Hotel to Bell Inn Yard
- 20 September – Sheep Market Hill to Beres Yard, plus Greyhound Square to Crown and Anchor
- 4 October – Beres Yard to Greyhound Square, plus Bell Inn Yard to Bryanston Street
- 18 October – Church Lane to Market Place, plus Market Place to Cherry’s Court
- 1 November – Cherry’s Court to The Plocks
As part of the works, the crossing at the bottom of Church Lane is being altered to improve visibility for people using the crossing, making it safer.
The £300,000 project, which is due to be finished by mid-November, is being funded by Dorset Council maintenance funding, Section 106 contributions and the sale of the existing paving.
