Pepper Street, which sits within a conservation area in Lymm village centre, contains a sett paved area, which is in poor condition, is rough and noisy to drive on and is difficult and expensive to maintain.

In addition, the existing inspection chamber covers and gully gratings on the street are of an older style and unsuitable for modern traffic.

It is, therefore, necessary to carry out repair works to this part of the street, to prevent further deterioration and ensure the longevity of the surface.

Warrington Borough Council will be holding a public consultation event on Wednesday 5 October to get people’s views on the three refurbishment options being put forward, which are:

1. Reconstructing the road with a traditional road surfacing material
2. Reconstructing the road with a traditional road surfacing material with setts along the channels and four or five bays of setts, full width, along the road
3. Reconstructing the road with reclaimed setts, to the existing extents

Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so the council is keen to get feedback from local people. A key concern for residents and businesses in the vicinity is likely to be access and the duration of works, as the refurbishment will take between 6 and 16 weeks to complete, depending on the option chosen.

This section of Pepper Street is too narrow to maintain vehicular access during the works and will need to be completely closed to traffic while the works are taking place. The council is putting plans in place, through appropriate diversions and scheduling of works, to minimise disruption as much as possible.

The drop-in event takes place at Lymm Village Hall, Pepper Street, on Wednesday 5 October, between 2pm and 7pm. Plans will be on display and people will have the opportunity to speak to staff about the project and ask any questions they may have.  Postcards will be available at the event, which people can fill out to make their preferred refurbishment choice, before popping it into a special ‘post box’.

Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet Member for transportation, highways and public realm, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “We recognise that the setts on Pepper Street are historic stones which sit within a conservation area. However, the condition of the existing setts means that, unfortunately, they cannot be repaired and the road will need to be reconstructed using one of our proposals.

“In the short term, these works will cause some disruption to local residents and businesses – however, the project will bring big long term benefits, providing a high quality surface for many years to come.

“We are keen to hear everyone’s views on our plans for Pepper Street, and their preferred refurbishment option. All views will be considered, which will help us decide on the best approach. Please make sure you get involved in the consultation and have your say.”

While the works are carried out, pedestrian access to Pepper Street will be maintained at all times. Access to the car park will be maintained as much as practicable and safe to do so. Works are being planned to be undertaken next summer during school holidays to reduce numbers of vehicles in the area and to minimise disruption.

Residents, the school and businesses along/off Pepper Street will shortly be receiving a letter, advising them of the consultation. Residents of Scholars Green will also receive a letter, as the diversion access for any closures on Pepper Street will have a bearing on traffic on their road too.

Following the consultation, the refurbishment project is expected to begin in June/July 2023.