James Wharton MP believes Stockton Council should re-consult on plans to replace cobbles around Yarm Town Hall and war memorial.
Stockton South MP James Wharton has called on Stockton Council to delay controversial plans to replace cobbles around Yarm’s town hall and war memorial.
The council is to replace cobbles, from parking bays behind the town hall through to Central Street, with reddish-brown granite setts and York stone.
Mr Wharton held a surgery in Yarm Library where the issue was raised by a large number of residents.
He said: “Clearly many people knew nothing about the scheme and feel their concerns are being ignored. Stockton Council should re-consult and ensure people are given a say. This is a very sensitive issue in Yarm, where many people already feel their views are ignored by the borough council.
“With parking charges, controversy over the size and style of new street lights and now this plan to replace cobbles it is more important than ever that Stockton Council makes every effort to work with rather than against the community.
“They should immediately suspend these proposed works and hold a full and frank consultation with residents.”
Yarm Chamber of Trade and Yarm Residents’ Association had also both criticised the plan.
Leader of Stockton Council Cllr Bob Cook said that cobbles around the town hall and war memorial are currently in a poor state of repair - and replacing them will provide better access to the memorial, which will be thoroughly cleaned before First World War commemorations this August.
Cllr Cook said: “Contrary to some suggestions, we are not planning to replace all of the cobbles in Yarm high street but provide improved access to the war memorial and town hall, which houses a disabled toilet. We developed the scheme in close liaison with the democratically-elected town council, and carried out letter and leaflet drops and provided displays in Yarm Library. We have also consulted with Yarm Chamber of Trade and the Showmen’s Guild.
“Our discussions with these bodies have been very much a two-way dialogue – we have listened carefully and made revisions to materials, timescales and even colour schemes in line with the views expressed. The response has been broadly positive in every case.
“We are investing more than £500,000 in Yarm and as part of this we have already replaced 1980s style street lighting with heritage style columns that are more in keeping with the town’s character.”
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