Residents of an historic York street are petitioning for a grand resurfacing plan costing £85,000 more than the option City of York Council was considering.

The residents of Mount Parade have entered a petition of 28 names requesting the postponement of resurfacing work until an option which retains their traditional street scene is considered.

The council had intended to resurface the road with pre-cast concrete kerbs and asphalt pavements costing £11,400 but the residents want York stone and granite kerbs in order to retain the original streetscape.

They also want the road to be laid in traditional setts - small blocks eight to ten inches square - which would push the total bill up to £96,400.

In a letter to Roy Templeman, director of environment and development services at City of York Council, the residents said: "We are writing to request that you suspend the proposed resurfacing work to Mount Parade.

"You may be aware of the unique nature of the street and of its listing as a site of special architectural interest.

"It is highly valued not only by its residents but also by many York inhabitants and visitors.

"This makes Mount Parade an unusual case which requires engineering and repair work to be closely linked to conservation and preservation."

Councillors at Tuesday's planning and transport sub-committee meeting will be asked to give the residents sufficient time to seek external funding to pay for the scheme and support the use of natural materials as long as this does not restrict access.

l Traffic restrictions will be in place from Monday on East Parade, York, while resurfacing work is carried out.

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