Clr Ken says judge St George's Square when it's done

Sep 11 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

GIVE us time – and then take a look.

That was the plea today from Clr Ken Sims – the councillor at the centre of controversy over the use of Chinese granite in St George’s Square in Huddersfield.

Clr Sims, Kirklees Council’s Tory Cabinet member for regeneration, said it was “disappointing” that many people had criticised the decision to use granite setts in the £4m revamp of the historic Square, despite long consultation before the start of the project.

And he urged them to wait until the whole scheme was completed before taking a viewpoint.

Clr Sims said: “The major facelift improvements to St George’s Square in Huddersfield have been carefully planned and designed to ensure they complement other features already present in the square.

“The colour and choice of granite is a topic that has caused a great deal of interest and comment. It is one that needs putting into context in relation to the scheme as a whole, as it is just one part of the overall splendour of the work being carried out.

“The granite represents less than 25% of the scheme area. The other stone flags features cover 65%, and are materials locally quarried to be in keeping with the surrounding ashlar stone. Once faded the granite will provide a subtle contrast in surfacing to highlight different use of different areas and to visually break up and enhance the square.