‘Temporary’ tarmac laid two years ago still covers site of historic wooden setts

Wooden setts on King Street

Tarmac is still covering the site of historical wooden setts in Rochdale centre, despite being laid two years ago on a ‘temporary’ basis.

The idea to reveal the setts was that of local artist John Cooke, who started a campaign to see them uncovered. The wooden 'cobbles' were removed in late September 2016 by Rochdale Borough Council to preserve them, before returning them to their original location.

The tarmac was understood to be down for a week but is still present almost two years later.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/105343/work-on-king-street-is-to-preserve-wooden-setts

It is believed that the setts were originally put down because there used to be a small hospital on King Street and staff didn’t want to disturb patients with the noise of horse and carriages on stone cobbles.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/97921/campaign-to-uncover-and-preserve-the-wooden-setts-in-king-street

The nearby public toilet was expected to be relocated following the setts’ uncovering but has not yet been moved.

Rochdale Borough Council has been contacted for comment.