A section of Gloucester city centre has sparked local anger after stone slabs were replaced with painted asphalt during construction of a new cycle path. Hempsted and Westgate councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD) condemned the changes made to Northgate Street, calling the new surface “cheap and naff” and saying it “ruins” the character of the area.
The works form part of Gloucestershire County Council’s ambitious 26-mile cycle spine project, designed to connect Bishop’s Cleeve with Stroud, passing through Cheltenham and Gloucester. As part of this, the stone slabs outside St John’s Church, and along the opposite side of the street, were removed and replaced by asphalt with a buff-colored imprint.
Cllr Trimnell expressed strong dissatisfaction with the scheme, saying: “I have never been happy with the work on Northgate Street. First, the slabs were lifted; then the tarmac went down; and recently a buff-colored imprint was added that just looks cheap and naff. None of this fits with Gloucester’s historic gate streets.”
READ MORE: 10-Mile Diversion Implemented as Cotswolds Village Road Closes for Resurfacing
READ MORE: ‘Abnormal Load’ to Travel Through Gloucestershire with Police Escort
She added that the surface “visually ruins” this part of the city centre and that many residents share her disapproval. “My repeated requests to the county council are for the original stone slabs to be reinstated to preserve the look and feel of our historic city—a value as important to the council as it is to the people of Gloucester.”
In contrast, Liberal Democrat Roger Whyborn, councillor for Benhall and Up Hatherley, responsible for sustainable transport and road safety, defended the project as part of a broader effort to improve safety and accessibility. He pointed out that the buff-colored surface was carefully chosen after considering heritage, durability, safety, accessibility, and long-term value.
“These changes create a safer, more accessible environment for walking, wheeling, and cycling while respecting the city’s heritage,” said Cllr Whyborn. The council maintains that the new surface contributes to the overall goal of making Gloucester’s city centre more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly.