LOCALS have been left furious after a Scottish council made the decision to tarmac a historic street.
Residents in Edinburgh slammed the local authority after workers were spotted laying tarmac over cobbled stones on Frederick Street.
Crews were seen out on the city centre street on Sunday afternoon as part of plans to improve the road.
According to Edinburgh Live, the work is part of a project that will see a number of Edinburgh streets developed.
This includes the streets crossing George Street as well as widening the pavements in the area and granite setts for the road.
But locals have been left fuming over the decision, with many claiming that the new look is taking away the city’s historic charm.
Residents have taken to social media to share their frustrations.
Posting on Facebook, one person said: “History gone in a flash”.
I’m sad to see this. It’s a mistake – these cobbles are part of what makes Edinburgh unique
Social media user
Another added: “Paving over history, how sad”.
Someone else posted: “Absolute disgrace! What were they thinking?”
While a fourth chimed in: “It’s the most beautiful city with such history, let’s not lose its beauty“.
And a fifth agreed: “I’m sad to see this. It’s a mistake – these cobbles are part of what makes Edinburgh unique.”
A user also commented: “What an incredible lack of foresight – tourists come to walk down cobblestoned streets that have been there for 100’s of years and soak in Auld Reekie’s ambience.”
Edinburgh City Council warned drivers of the road closures that would be in place as a result of the works being carried out.
They said: “City centre southeast, Frederick Street between George Street and Queen Street.
“Road and ironwork repairs, road closed.”
A statement on the council’s website adds: “The road will have granite setts and be narrowed to two lanes to allow for widened pavements.
“Pavements are upgraded in natural Yorkstone slabs.
What an incredible lack of foresight – tourists come to walk down cobblestoned streets that have been there for 100’s of years
Another social media user
“Parallel parking spaces for taxis, residents and pay and display are shown in laybys, also shown in granite setts.”
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson told Edinburgh Live the tarmac was added for safety reasons.
He said: “Following an inspection of the carriageway which revealed defects, we’ve put in a temporary running surface over the top of the existing setts.
“This is to ensure the carriageway is safe for all road users.
“This temporary measure will ultimately be replaced with granite setts.”
