A decision to pause controversial plans to tarmac the Promenade has been hailed as a victory by Cheltenham’s Civic Society.
Shire Hall chiefs have put on hold their plans which would see the York flagstones ripped up and a strip of tarmac laid between the corridor of trees outside Cavendish House.
Their proposals which would have been similar to that which was recently laid at The Strand part of High Street came to light earlier this month.
Gloucestershire County Council chiefs had planned to implement the changes as soon as May.
But after huge public outcry and a campaign by the Civic Society which saw a petition signed by more than 2,000 people, council leaders have had second thoughts – for now.
While the Civic Society feel they have so far “won the battle” the war over saving the spa town’s iconic Promenade may not be over yet.
Shire Hall’s pause will involve looking at other alternatives which would allow vehicle access that does not lead to the stones being broken.
Andrew Booton, Cheltenham Civic Society Chair, said: “We welcomed the meeting on the Prom on Monday of representatives of the two councils, BID and the Civic Society and we are pleased that the highway authority has agreed to halt the tarmac plan so that further research and different options can be properly considered.
“We are concerned that the solution to be arrived at will fully respect the town’s heritage, its beauty and the integrity of the Central Conservation Area.
“So we will be actively involved in the process and will carefully scrutinise everything put forward.
“When an acceptable solution does evolve, it is crucial that the authority consults widely on it – not just with the parties involved yesterday but with other stakeholders including the public and the shops, cafés and restaurants that trade in the Prom.
“I’d like to thank both The Georgian Group for throwing their weight behind us and the 2,000+ people who signed our petition, as we believe they were instrumental in helping to bring about this rethink.”
County Council leader Stephen Davies (C, Hardwicke and Severn) confirmed they are halting the proposals to look at other options.
“We are pausing to look at alternative solutions which would allow vehicle access, which the current surface doesn’t,” he said.
“This matters if there is to be activities like the Christmas Market.
“If we can find an alternative we will consider that, although installation may need to be phased if it is expensive. If we can’t find an alternative we have agreed to meet again. I believe this is a common sense approach.
On behalf of Gloucestershire County Council and Cheltenham Borough Council, a spokesperson said: “Following a meeting of representatives from both councils, Cheltenham BID and Cheltenham
Civic Society on Monday, Gloucestershire County Council have put the initial plans to resurface this section of the Promenade on hold.
“Despite considerable efforts over a number of years to relay slabs and to reinforce the substructure below them, regular damage has still been caused by vehicular access. Our initial proposals were designed to meet the challenge caused by vehicles needing access, by providing a stronger surface.
“Partner organisations have agreed to carry out more research into the challenges and what solutions might be possible whilst also maintaining the vibrancy of the area through activities such as events and markets which help support the vitality of the town centre.
“We look forward to working closely with all partners to find a suitable solution and we will continue to keep the area safe for all road users during this period.”