A Stroud resident is calling on Gloucestershire Highways to protect Nelson Street’s historic iron kerbs ahead of planned resurfacing works, warning that irreplaceable heritage features could be damaged or lost.
Jonathan, who has spent years campaigning to protect the unique “rack and pinion” cast iron kerbs on Nelson Street, says the features are legally recognised on Stroud Town Council’s Local Heritage Asset List (Entry SLHA00028).
Nelson Street is scheduled to close from 6 to 13 August while Gloucestershire Highways carries out resurfacing works.
However, Jonathan says two sections of the historic iron kerb outside Raw Umber Studios, 16 Nelson Street, were removed by Gloucestershire County Council contractors last week and replaced with a temporary tarmac patch.
He is now asking why the sections were removed, where they have been taken, and whether they will be reinstated before the resurfacing begins.
“I’m extremely concerned that these protected heritage assets could be damaged, removed or simply disappear during the resurfacing works,” Jonathan said.
“These iron kerbs are a unique part of Stroud’s history and are legally recognised on the Local Heritage Asset List. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
“I want Gloucestershire Highways to confirm exactly how they intend to protect them, and explain what has happened to the two sections that have already been removed.”
Jonathan says his concerns are based on previous experience.
Around three years ago, following a water leak repair by Severn Trent, another section of the historic iron kerb was removed and replaced with rolled tarmac. Despite reporting the issue to Gloucestershire County Council and meeting officers on site, he says the protected feature has never been reinstated.
With resurfacing work due to begin in less than two weeks, Jonathan is urging Gloucestershire Highways to publicly confirm the measures that will be taken to safeguard the remaining historic iron kerbs.
Cllr Mark Harris, Cabinet member for Highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We are aware of the decorative cast iron kerbs on Nelson Street in Stroud ahead of the planned resurfacing work starting next week.
“We will work with the contractor to avoid damage to these features and ensure that the presence of these historic assets is retained following the completion of the works.
“Severn Trent Water recently completed utility works in the area and needed to remove a section of the kerb to undertake the works. The council is working with Severn Trent Water to ensure these sections of the kerb are reinstated as soon as possible.”
