A temporary tarmac patch beside Hucknall’s newly improved Central Walk is due to be replaced with permanent paving once National Grid completes its reinstatement work.

The affected section sits next to Ashfield Council’s £600,000 town centre improvement scheme, but it was not part of the refurbishment.

The area is adopted highway maintained by Nottinghamshire Council, rather than land controlled by Ashfield Council.

National Grid excavated the paving to install a power supply for landlord lighting and other facilities serving Central Walk.

The tarmac patch by the new Central Walk paving is only temporary and will be replaced with paving in due course, says Coun Lee Waters. Photo: Submitted

placeholder image — The tarmac patch by the new Central Walk paving is only temporary and will be replaced with paving in due course, says Coun Lee Waters. Photo: Submitted

The tarmac is a temporary repair and was always intended to be replaced once the correct paving had been sourced.

Ashfield Council is now working with the county council and National Grid to ensure the permanent reinstatement is completed as soon as possible.

Coun Lee Waters (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall Central on Ashfield Council, said: “I completely understand why residents have seen the tarmac and questioned whether this is the finished result of the £600,000 refurbishment.

"It clearly looks out of place beside the newly improved paving.

The new block paving on Central Walk in Hucknall is now in place. Photo: Submitted

“However, it is important to be clear that this section was not part of Ashfield Council’s scheme and it is not on land maintained by Ashfield.

"It is county council adopted highway.

“National Grid excavated the area to install an electricity supply, and the tarmac is only a temporary reinstatement.

"It was always due to be replaced with the correct paving.

“I am frustrated that it has been left looking like this and that the work also caused disruption to the Friday market, including preventing one trader from setting up.

“National Grid now needs to return promptly and complete the job to the proper standard.

“Ashfield Council is working with the county council and National Grid to get this resolved.”

Coun Waters added that the temporary repair should not distract from the wider improvements already made to Central Walk, work for which is now virtually complete.

Since improvements started in April, the dated canopy – which was impossible to clean, maintain or repair and was an attractive pigeon nesting place – has been removed and the paving has been replaced with a modern lighter block.

The final flourishes – planters, ambient lighting and the mural representing Hucknall's heritage and history – will make all the difference, adding personality and warmth to the walkway.

There will be a temporary pause in works whilst the council waits for the delivery of the bespoke planters.

More details about the street art will be released in the coming weeks once all procurement and tender activity has been completed.

This project also covers Chapel Street renovations, however they are currently on pause whilst the council works through the final details with partners.

Coun Waters continued: “The removal of the old canopy and the new paving have already made Central Walk feel lighter, brighter and much more welcoming.

“Further improvements, including planters, lighting and artwork, are still to come.

"The aim is to create a cleaner and more attractive town centre that residents, businesses and visitors can enjoy and be proud of.

“The refurbishment is a positive investment in Hucknall, which is why it is disappointing to see a temporary utility repair drawing attention away from the improvements that have been made.”