THE exact date when the ripping up of Widemarsh Street's notorious kerbs has been given.

The kerbs, which have been the cause of several trips and falls since being installed in 2011, will be replaced in a four-month project from February.

Work will include the removal of the current 50mm kerb by lifting and replacing the road surface, with new channel blocks and drainage system.

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According to Herefordshire Council, the work will take place between Monday, February 13 and Wednesday, June 14.

The existing street design was completed in 2011 and has been subject to several specialist design and safety reviews.

Hereford Times: Widemarsh Street kerbs will soon be removed. Widemarsh Street kerbs will soon be removed. (Image: Rob Davies)

All of these have concluded that the scheme is fully in line with design guidance and best practice.

But the public have continued to lobby local councillors as well as the cabinet member regarding incidents personal to them.

"This will be expensive but it is a cost we are certain we must pay to ensure this street scheme is what the visitors and residents of Herefordshire deserve," Coun John Harrington, Herefordshire Council's roads chief, previously said.

"I am only sorry that it has taken so long to address".

Widemarsh Street kerb replacement to cost £1.2 million

The council’s director for economy and environment Ross Cook approved work to replace the five-centimetre (two-inch) high kerbs replaced with what are described as “channel blocks and a linear drainage system”.

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His decision puts the budget for the whole job at £1.3 million, intended to cover any additional surveying, the lifting of the road surface, incorporating new porphyry “setts” and drainage, as well as traffic management and communications.

Councillor John Harrington, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said Widemarsh Street was built with the best of intentions with the aim of promoting pedestrian safety.

"But it is our opinion as an administration, that unfortunately and undeniably, the design has caused difficulties for some pedestrians, and this is something we were keen to remedy," he said.

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"Widemarsh St is a key part of the city centre, being a popular route for pedestrians and vehicles, home to many shops and businesses, and providing an important link between Old Market and High Town.

"It is a central component of our transport network and economy, along with the status and appeal of Hereford as a visitor destination and place for local people to enjoy their leisure time.

"As such it is important that we listen to feedback from the public to make it as safe as possible."

The council said it explored a wide variety of options, with emphasis on aesthetics, safety, ease of use, drainage, and cost, but removing the kerb appeared to be the only option, he said.

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