THE controversial paving in Dunster’s West Street is to be replaced following public consultation and months of disagreement.

More than 700 people including residents, businesses, property owners and visitors gave their views in the consultation organised by Somerset County Council.

And as a result, the blue lias paving laid earlier this year to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety – but criticised as urban and out of keeping – will be replaced with the Brecon grey paving put down in Dunster’s High Street over four years ago.

The cost will also be lower than the £100,000 originally mooted by the council.

West Somerset Cllr Bryan Leaker, who represents Dunster, welcomed the result: “They wasted a lot of people’s time and effort but at least this is the right resolution,” he said. “I’m very pleased that common sense has prevailed.

“It’s interesting that, as highlighted by the Dunster Working Group, they are now quoting a cost of £45,000.

“It’s just a pity that we had over 12 months of meetings and petitions to get the right result.”

Somerset County Council will be giving the £45,000 to Exmoor National Park Authority, which has offered to take forward the scheme.

Dunster Parish Council and Dunster Working Group, which was set up to protect the village’s heritage, have also pledged £10,000 jointly towards the scheme.

The survey result was a close call, with 337 responses in favour of the Brecon grey and 326 in favour of keeping the existing footway as it is.

Two other options, for stressing the existing footway to darken it or replacing it with reclaimed Pennant paving stone received 17 and 29 responses in favour.

Cllr David Fothergill, county cabinet member for highways, shared the results with community representatives including parish councillors and members of Dunster Working Group.

“I’d like to thank Dunster Parish Council and everyone who took part in the consultation,” he said. “The results showed there is a range of opinions in Dunster and this has led to a very difficult decision.

“However, following discussions with local community representatives, I believe it is right to go with the majority and remodel the paving while also retaining the improved safety features which have been so welcomed, particularly by accessibility groups.

“What I hope now is that everyone can get behind this decision.”

Exmoor National Park Authority chief executive Nigel Stone said he welcomed the county council’s offer.

“Dunster is one of the best preserved medieval villages in England and we have shared the wish of the parish council, and the majority of local residents, to see practical improvement to paved areas that is in keeping with the settlement’s historic character,” he said.

“This very positive decision from the council will mean that this aim can be achieved and provide a long-term solution fit for the foreseeable future.”

Graham Lamacraft, chairman of the Dunster Working Group, said he was delighted with the decision and that the council was now complying with the wishes of the community.

“We now look forward to working with Dunster Parish Council and Somerset County Council on implementing the scheme,” he added.

West Somerset’s MP Ian Liddell-Grainger said he was content the council had conceded its mistakes: “I applaud the fact that it undertook a full public consultation on the replacements.

“But given Dunster’s unique character and its historical importance there should have been an exercise precisely along those lines before a single cobble was lifted in the first place.

“Had there been – and had the county council then listened to and acted in accordance with the views of local people – it wouldn’t have got itself into this monstrous mess and wouldn’t now be unnecessarily forking out money it can ill afford to spend.”

Exmoor National Park Authority in consultation with Dunster Parish Council, will lead the replacement scheme and will now draw up detailed plans alongside partners, including Somerset County Council.

The full results of the consultation can be found on the county council website at www.somersetnewsroom.com.