New rules are being issued about when flagstones can be replaced with "blacktop" on pavements in the Bradford district.

Bradford Council has tightened up its guidelines covering how footway resurfacing should be carried out.

A "decision-making framework" will force officers to look at issues other than simply the cost.

These will include potential damage to the pavement by cars, the risk of pedestrians tripping and the likelihood of digging by workmen.

For 13 years the council has preferred to use blacktop rather than flags when building or repairing footways.

It has allowed flagstones only in conservation areas, or shopping and commercial areas where the appearance is of special significance.

The Council's ruling Executive has been told that circumstances have changed considerably.

An increasing number of people are making injury claims against the Council due to the rise of "no win no fee" solicitors, councillors were told.

More organisations are carrying out work involving the digging up of pavements, which scars blacktop, and damage is being caused by parked cars.

A report to the executive has recommended that each street should be considered on its merits using the decision-making framework.

"Concerns are raised by residents from time to time who do not want to lose "their" flags in favour of blacktop," it adds.

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