HIGHWAYS bosses are set to rip up pavement flagstones in two parts of York, despite protests from scores of residents.

City of York Council is proposing to replace concrete flagstones with asphalt in Stockton Lane, Heworth, and in Emerald Street, The Groves.

A report says paving slabs in both roads have been cracked, smashed and disturbed by vehicles being accidentally or deliberately driven on them to park, and asphalt would better able to withstand such traffic in future, keeping maintenance costs down.

But 131 residents in the Heworth area have signed a petition, objecting to the removal of the Stockton Lane flagstones and replacement with tarmac, says the report to a meeting tomorrow of the executive member for planning and transport and advisory panel.

Another 31 households in Emerald Street have signed a similar petition, again calling for the retention of flagstones. It says: "We wish to retain a flagged footway, which is more in keeping with the environment of the street."

But maintenance manager Fred Isles says that while residents' concerns are mainly about aesthetics, the council has a duty to the general public's safety while going about their business.

"While it is a matter of opinion as to whether or not paving stones are more attractive than a bituminous surface, it is a matter of fact that a bituminous surface is better able to withstand vehicle overrun and remain in a safe, stable condition - as opposed to paving slabs which invariably become cracked, broken and disturbed, leaving trips," he said.

He said the type of traffic had changed and increased since such footways were laid in Victorian times, and councillors might feel it was prudent to design them to take today's traffic.

He said many residents had been unhappy when paving slabs were removed from a different part of Stockton Lane two years ago, but none had complained since the scheme was carried out.

"And at least two letters stated how they were surprised at how good the scheme was, and they were pleased we had carried it out."

He says councillors could defer the schemes for a year and refer the possible retention of paving slabs to the ward committees.

However, he warned the cost in Stockton Lane would come to around £30,000, compared to an annual budget of only £16,000. The cost of paving in Emerald Street would come to about £24,000, compared to an annual budget of £27,000.

He recommended councillors should press ahead with replacement asphalt in both roads.

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, September 06, 2005