'Ugly tarmac cowpats' could land council in court

Locals have welcomed legal action against a county council to get rid of "tarmac cowpats" in paved areas, which they say are an "eyesore".

The action means Gloucestershire County Council could in future be taken to court by Cheltenham Civic Society over a lack of progress in addressing the state of some streets in the town's centre.

Resident Julie Olding said: "If you're a visitor coming in, it's not the best thing to look at, when you've got this beautiful pavement and then big cow pats."

However, the council said maintenance work was under way before the legal action was taken, including replacing tarmac and damaged slabs.

Andrew Booton, chairman of Cheltenham Civic Society, said the asphalt repairs used to replace paving slabs were "not acceptable" for the town.

"The treatment of these public spaces are having a detrimental impact on the town centre, affecting businesses, residents and visitors," he said.

Resident Jane McGraham said the state of pavements was damaging for the town's reputation.

"We have lots of people coming for things like the jazz festival and the races, we want to present Cheltenham in the best light," she said.

Another resident, David Moore, called the repairs an "eyesore".

"There's a fair few in Cheltenham... it's a beautiful town and it's letting it down, it's a shame really," he said.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cheltenham Civic Society first raised concerns about the tarmac repairs in 2024.

The society said it had no alternative but to serve a section 56 notice.

A section 56 is a legal tool used by the public to push highway authorities to repair public roads and footpaths.

If action is not taken within a certain timeframe or if the authority disputes the notice, the case can be heard at court.

Joe Harris, cabinet member for highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said it was "disappointing to receive a formal legal challenge".

"Planned maintenance work is already under way, including replacing tarmac and damaged slabs," he added.

"This was scheduled well in advance of the Section 56 notice being received."

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