The replacement of paving slabs with asphalt outside the historic Dick Whittington pub in Gloucester has sparked criticism from local officials and residents.
National Grid Electricity Distribution carried out the work last week while repairing a faulty underground link box located outside the pub on Westgate Street. They decided to use asphalt as a temporary surface after determining the existing paving slabs were in poor condition and unsuitable for reuse.
Westgate Councillor Rebecca Trimnell described the repair as “totally unacceptable” and urged for a swift, permanent fix. “I was horrified when residents alerted me to the state of the pavement outside the Dick Whittington pub after National Grid’s work,” she said. “I was told the crew was instructed only to tarmac over the area, without replacing like-for-like paving slabs.”
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Councillor Trimnell has contacted the county council’s highways team to investigate the matter, though she warned that the process might take up to six months with limited legislative power to enforce change. “The pub is under new management and preparing to reopen soon. It is completely unacceptable for the pavement to remain in this condition, and a permanent repair must be prioritized.”
A National Grid spokesperson acknowledged local concerns and explained the decision to use asphalt was discussed with Gloucestershire County Council prior to the work. “The temporary tarmac reinstatement allowed the footpath to reopen quickly following repairs, while we await the supply of new paving slabs from the highways authority.”
The energy company confirmed they will relay replacement slabs as part of a permanent reinstatement once materials are provided.