PLANS are being finalised to repair and replace Yorkstone setts at raised pedestrian crossings known as ‘the cobbled courtesy crossings’ in Tavistock town centre.

The extensive improvement scheme is expected to get underway in mid March, however, depending on the availability of the quarried Yorkstone, it could start later.

Works are likely to start in Bedford Square and repairs will be carried out at nine raised crossings in total.

The stone setts at the two crossings in Bedford Square will be completely replaced and re-laid, while defective setts will also be replaced in Duke Street, Pepper Street, Elbow Lane, Drake Road, West Street and the Junction of Brook Street and Market Road.

New natural Yorkstone setts will be used on the sections of crossing which are being replaced, while reclaimed setts will be used for the repair of defects.

The work is scheduled to take four weeks but no work will be carried out during the Easter break.

It is likely that work in Bedford Square will be carried out with a lane closure and a temporary one way traffic order.

A permanent (day and night) closure for Drake Road will be required while work is carried out and temporary daytime closures will be required in West Street, Pepper Street, Elbow Lane and Brook Street due to narrow road widths and limited working space.

The one-way system in Brook Street would have to be revoked during any closure to enable access to properties and parking may be suspended in areas where work is being carried out.

Local councillors have been lobbying the county council following numerous accidents on the cobbled crossings.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management, said: ‘Safety of pedestrians is of paramount importance and we need to make these crossings as safe as possible.

‘The planning of this scheme has taken longer than anyone would have liked as we’re committed to preserving the heritage status of the town and want to conserve and enhance that while carrying out this work.

‘Some road closures will be needed and some temporary changes to parking arrangements may be required, but we will ensure we work with local residents and the business community to minimise disruption as much as possible.’

Cllr Debo Sellis, Devon County councillor for Tavistock, said: ‘There has been a great deal of time spent working with West Devon Borough Council’s conservation officer regarding the heritage aspect of this scheme and it would appear the balance between safety and aesthetics has finally been resolved.’