WORKS to remove a much-criticised kerb in a Hereford city centre street are starting this week.
A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said enhancement works to Widemarsh Street begin this week as part of the wider programme of improvements in Hereford city centre.
The scheme will include the removal of the current 50mm kerb by lifting and replacing the road surface, with new channel blocks and drainage system.
The work is expected to take around 17 weeks, during which there will be no access for vehicles on Widemarsh Street, with diversions in place via the A438, A49 Victoria Street, and West Street.
Pedestrian access in Widemarsh Street will be maintained at all times and local businesses will be open as normal.
The busy street links Hereford's High Town and the Old Market development.
The existing Widemarsh Street design was completed in 2011 and has been subject to a number of specialist design and safety reviews following public feedback.
The low kerbs installed at the time of the redesign have frequently been criticised as a trip hazard over the years.
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At one point, black gaffer tape was even installed on the kerbs as it was revealed that frequent falls in the street were being blamed on the street design.
A total of 41 people had reported tripping over in refurbished Widemarsh Street in the space of 15 months, the Hereford Times reported in 2012, just over a year after they were installed.
And campaigners over the years have called on the council to replace them, with representatives of the National Federation of the Blind slamming the kerbs as "dangerous" in 2018, by which time more than 100 people had reported tripping on them.
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"All of the reviews have concluded that the scheme is fully in line with design guidance and best practice," a Herefordshire Council spokesperson said.
"However, it is important that pedestrians have a good, safe experience."
For more information, head to the Herefordshire Council website and click the 'contact us' link.
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