New 'no' to Chinese stone in St George's Square

Aug 28 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

New ‘No’ to granite from China

Ms Gibson recommended using local stone instead. She said: “There is not an historic precedent for the use of granite setts in Huddersfield.

“We understand the concerns of the council in terms of durability and public safety associated with the use of traditional Victorian stone setts. However, modern natural yorkstone products are available that would counter these problems while maintaining continuity of surface materials.

“We therefore recommend that natural yorkstone to match the adjoining stone surfacing materials should be substituted for granite setts and channels in any approved scheme.”

Clr Christine Stanfield supported the stance of English Heritage.

The Lindley Lib Dem said: “St George’s Square is the centrepiece of Huddersfield and the first thing which people see when they arrive by train.

“To risk ruining the appearance of the area by ignoring the guidance of English Heritage and introducing a material which might not fit in is an unnecessary gamble.”