Work to replace the stone setts on Pepper Street is getting under way.
Pepper Street, which sits within a conservation area in Lymm village centre, contains a sett paved area, which has been need of refurbishment for some time.
In addition, the existing inspection chamber covers and gully gratings on the street are of an older style and unsuitable for modern traffic.
Local Cllr. Graham Gowland commented: “It’s great to see the work starting – It’s going to be very disruptive, but is essential work. The officers have planned for it to go as smoothly as possible, and I am sure the work will be appreciated when it is finished. The choice of the surface came from a consultation exercise held with residents – and it will hopefully last for a long time. The road is originally Roman, so has probably seen a few repairs over the years. It’s great to see sets retained – Pepper Street is a corruption of Pebble Street, and reflects the original cobbles used to surface it.”
Almost 250 people took part in a consultation in autumn 2022, aimed at getting local views on the best refurbishment options for the stone setts. The majority of respondents said they would like to see the road reconstructed with reclaimed setts.
Having sourced the reclaimed setts – of the right type and size – the council is now moving ahead with the works, with timescales as follows:
From late June
- There will be nighttime road closures from 7pm to 1am, Monday to Friday (Saturday morning) to allow workers to reconstruct the road, lay channels and lay a temporary asphalt running surface. This will take 4 to 5 weeks to complete.
- During this time, access will be permitted outside of the closure times for residents, businesses and schools.
From the start of the school holidays
- Pepper Street will be closed 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week for the removal of the temporary running surface and laying of the stone setts.
- The road will remain closed to through traffic until all the setts have been laid.
It is estimated that the works will take up to 20 weeks to complete.
Please note – when Pepper Street is closed, the access at Longbutt Lane onto Scholars Green Lane will always be open for vehicular traffic to get in and out of the area.
Warrington Borough Council’s Director of transport and environment, David Boyer, said: “This is an important project within Lymm’s conservation area, which will deliver much needed refurbishment and provide a high quality surface for many years to come.
“We apologise for the short-term disruption and thank everyone for their patience while this work is carried out.”
For the diversion route, updates and phasing, visit warrington.gov.uk/pepper-street-lymm
You can also view information boards about the scheme at Lymm Village Hall.
