Gloucester’s city centre paving has been a growing concern for businesses, residents, and visitors alike, with deteriorating surfaces and temporary tarmac patches causing safety hazards and damaging the city’s appeal. In January, the Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID) took action, formally addressing Gloucestershire Highways in a letter calling for urgent repairs.
Paving Problems Impacting Businesses and Public Safety
The letter, sent by Emily Gibbon, Gloucester BID Manager, highlighted the increasing reliance on temporary tarmac, which has remained in place far longer than acceptable. The issue, affecting key streets like Gate Streets, is more than just an aesthetic concern. Slips, trips, and falls have become frequent occurrences, with some incidents severe enough to require ambulance attendance.
“The city centre is being marred by these unsightly and substandard repairs,” the letter stated. “It not only deters visitors but also negatively impacts local businesses that rely on a welcoming and well-kept environment.”
The BID urged Gloucestershire Highways to prioritise permanent repairs and provide a definitive timeline for action.
Highways Responds: Work Was Planned, but Delayed by Weather
In response, Gloucestershire Highways acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that repairs had been scheduled for November 2024. However, adverse weather conditions led to delays, pushing back the project’s timeline. While the commitment to improvements is reassuring, the continued delay has raised further frustration among business owners and pedestrians who navigate the uneven and hazardous surfaces daily.
Awaiting an Update This Week
A further update from Gloucestershire Highways is expected this week, detailing when the long-awaited repairs will be carried out. The BID remains hopeful that swift action will follow, ensuring the city centre regains its safety, accessibility, and visual appeal.
Until then, Gloucester’s residents and businesses will continue to press for the improvements they have long been promised.
