Brentwood locals have expressed divided views about the town centre’s cobblestones being stripped out and replaced with tarmac later this month. Essex County Council was informed earlier this year that Brentwood’s cobbled high street had become a dangerous hazard due to inadequate upkeep and maintenance.
The town’s cobblestone road surface was laid in 2009 to preserve its heritage and ‘historic charm’. Across the last 16 years, the cobbles have deteriorated badly, prompting demands for major reconstruction over safety fears. With Cadent shutting Brentwood High Street for six weeks for gas infrastructure work, Essex Highways has announced they will substitute the granite setts with tarmac during this period, reported Essex Live.
One local wrote on Facebook: “Leave the cobbles they are sustainable and ecologic.”
Another said: “I drive on those cobbles, yes it’s a pain but i wouldn’t want it any other way, it’s adds lovely bit of character.”
A third claims motorists should be removed altogether, they commented: ” Brentwood high street should be pedestrianised motor vehicles are a blight on this charming high street. Remove the cars and make Brentwood become the go to shopping and community area it should be. It seems that very little would have to be done to achieve this with the huge car parks behind the high street improvements to the roads can only benefit everyone.”
This work will involve stripping out the cobblestones between Crown Street and St Thomas Road. Essex Highways claims this will deliver a “smoother and safer” road surface for all road users.
There have been divided reactions to the removal, with some residents arguing the cobbles ‘brought character to the high street’ – whilst others are eagerly anticipating their departure. Sandy Bart declared the replacement was well overdue.
In EssexLive’s Facebook comments section, she said: “They should have done this years ago.”
Kevin Lacey, a local who has worked in Brentwood for two decades, told EssexLive: “Driving down them is such a nuisance, there are lots of bumps and potholes at the moment. The closure of the street is going to be a pain, but I reckon it’ll be much smoother to drive on and safer afterwards.”
Local resident Kathy Rawlings acknowledged the importance of the cobbles within the town, added, “I think it’s a bit of a shame-the cobbles give the high street character. But if they’re unsafe, removing them makes sense.”
A representative for Essex Highways said: “Safety is our number one priority. Replacing the cobblestone with asphalt will create a smoother driving experience without taking away from the beauty of the area. This decision has been made in consultation with Brentwood Council.
“We are coordinating these works with Cadent Gas to make the most of the temporary road closure, with gas mains due to be upgraded from 15 September and asphalt surfacing from 22 September. We appreciate the patience of residents and road users as these essential upgrades are carried out.
“Residents can stay up to date on the latest here.”