CAMPAIGNERS are calling for highways bosses to return their historic road to its original condition.

Residents of Manningtree want to save South Street’s setts – quarried gutter stones – following a proposal by Essex County Council to remove them.

Becca Kenneison, who lives in South Street, launched the Save Our Setts campaign which has so far attracted 25 members.

She said: “I am very concerned about the proposal put forward by the council council to resurface South Street.

“While the street needs resurfacing, it is proposing to remove the blue setts – the brick paving in some of the gutters.

“Thirteen members of the public attended a town council meeting and were unanimous in their view that the setts should be retained.

“Those present were aware that refusing to allow the planned works to go ahead might mean that the road would not be resurfaced.

“The view was also expressed the setts covered by tarmac should be restored.”

“There is considerable opposition.

“People are opposed as the setts are so attractive and have been a feature of the local street scene for decades, probably since Victorian times.

“The county council is proposing imprinted blue asphalt as an alternative.

“I know the great majority of the councillors did not think that this was an adequate alternative.”

Mrs Kenneison said the road is part of Manningtree’s Conservation Area and the street should be returned to its original condition.

She added: “South Street is within the conservation area so we all have to jump through hoops to do work to our houses.”

Mrs Kenneison had criticised the county council for making a “major change to the historic environment” without public consultation.

A spokesmann for Essex Highways said it had taken on board the comments made.

He said the plans to resurface the road have been put on hold for discussion.

He said: “Following representations from residents and local councillors, this scheme has been deferred to the next financial year.

“Removing and replacing the existing setts adds very significant costs, which have not been allowed for in the current plans.

“It would also require the purchase of additional setts and it is proving hard to match the unusual stones in place.

“The road will need to be resurfaced but further discussions will take place before this happens.”