As part of its campaign against tarmacking the Promenade, Cheltenham Civic Society has launched an online petition pleading for Gloucestershire County Council to put a halt to its proposal to rip up the York stone flagstones outside Cavendish House.
The online petition – hosted at: https://chng.it/kx9dzHFJQS – has already achieved more than 400 signatures. It reads:
“Preserve the Historic York Stone Paving on the Promenade in Cheltenham
Our beloved Promenade is not just a street: it’s the very heart and soul of Cheltenham. Nestled in the Central Conservation Area, its charm and character contribute immensely to our town’s identity. Among its unique features is the exquisite York stone paving, which is more than just stone underfoot; it’s a part of our town’s rich history that is under threat.
Gloucestershire County Council plans to replace the traditional York stone paving with tarmac, robbing the Promenade of its characteristic aesthetic. Historically, York stone has been used throughout the countryside of England for centuries due to its durability and attractiveness. According to the National Stone Centre, this type of stone contributes to the distinct visual heritage of many regions.
What is at stake here is not just the appearance of our locality, but its identity and historical integrity. Gloucestershire County Council and Cheltenham Borough Council have a responsibility to preserve and enhance the character of the area, respecting the very essence that makes places like the Promenade special.
We must petition Gloucestershire County Council and Cheltenham Borough Council to cease their planned tarmacking and instead restore the existing York stone paving, honouring our street’s legacy and enriching the lives of residents and visitors to our town.
Let’s stand up for our heritage and protect what truly makes the Promenade – and Cheltenham – unique. This is our town, our home. It’s time our voices were heard. Please sign this petition to join the initiative to preserve our cherished Promenade.”
Civic Society Chair, Andrew Booton, said: “We think that everyone who cares about Cheltenham – residents, visitors, businesses and those who work in the town – will want to sign this petition.
“The Prom is vital to our heritage and to the town’s overall attraction. Any move to downgrade it must be firmly rejected by all of us. We need to make the County Council – particularly its officers – sit up and listen to those they are working for, the public. And if we all sign this petition, we can stop this crazy scheme from going ahead.
“We believe that most of Cheltenham Borough Councillors are also against the tarmac plan, so we hope to work with them over the next few weeks to persuade the County Council officers to drop their plan and go back to their drawing board.” The petition can be found at: https://chng.it/kx9dzHFJQS or by using the adjacent QR code.