PLANS are in place to repair the cobbled courtesy crossings in Tavistock town centre after more than a year of concerns being raised and several people tripping on uneven and loose cobbles.

Devon County Council this week confirmed that designs were being decided upon for the repair of two of the cobbled areas in the town.

A spokesperson for Devon County Council said: ‘We are currently working on repair design options for the cobbled surfaces on both the West Street and Bedford Square areas of Tavistock.’

The deterioration of the cobbled courtesy crossings in the town have been causing concern to residents, town and borough councillors for around 18 months after several people have tripped and fallen, some resulting in injuries and hospital treatment.

The cobbled areas, more commonly used in traffic-free, pedestrian areas, were put in as features to visually break up the road surface with the shared agreement from local councils some 20 to 30 years ago. The areas have now deteriorated and have become uneven due to years of heavy traffic.

Devon County Councillor for Tavistock Cllr Debo Sellis said: ‘The county archaeologist and the West Devon conservation officer met with senior highway officers to work out how we can best balance safety and aesthetics.

‘I have had friends that have tripped and injured themselves on the cobbles. I’ve taken this issue very seriously and I feel we need to work hard on this to ensure people’s safety.’

Cllr Sellis said it was hoped that the work to the cobbled areas would take place sometime after Goose Fair.