ASPHALT spread on a Saltaire pavement has prompted frantic chatter on social media sites about its ugly impact on the World Heritage Site.

A long strip of black has suddenly appeared beside the garden opposite the almshouses at the top end of Victoria Road and has sparked objections on Twitter and Facebook.

But ward councillor Martin Love has now scotched fears that this will be a permanent feature of the ongoing regeneration.

He said the council came to an agreement with Incommunities this week, meaning the social housing group will repair the low wall that runs along the edge of the garden.

“As this work could potentially damage any new paving slabs to be put down it was clearly sensible to put tarmac down and keep the footpath open to pedestrians, then put down the new flags when the work is done,” Cllr Love said.

However The choice of cut stone paving slabs for footway improvements throughout Saltaire is another issue worrying Saltaire Preservation Society members, but the council have said Yorkstone paving is the best available. of the , said founder member Francis Cafferty.Robin Copeland, Bradford Council’s Team Leader Landscape, Design and Conservation, said: “High quality flame textured Yorkstone paving will be used to replace the predominantly concrete paving slabs on Victoria Road, Saltaire.

“Reclaimed riven Yorkstone paving is not being used as this material is very difficult to obtain in the appropriate quantity and of the appropriate quality. Cost was not a consideration in relation to the use of reclaimed paving.

“The new Yorkstone is the most suitable alternative for use in the World Heritage Site.”