Luxury paving stones on Birmingham's Colmore Row have begun to be restored after National Grid contractors left 'eyesore' tarmac patches following utility works. The granite slabs outside Birmingham Council House were ripped up and replaced with temporary tarmac, sparking public outcry from Brummies who branded the fix 'lazy' and 'ghastly'.
Progress Made
One section of pavement has now been restored following a BirminghamLive intervention and campaigner pressure. However, other areas still remain covered in tarmac patches. City campaigner Reiss Omari celebrated the progress, saying: 'It's really happening! Paving stones are going back down around the lamppost on Colmore Row.'
National Grid Response
National Grid has footed the bill for repairs and promised to restore remaining areas 'as soon as possible'. The energy firm acknowledged public frustration over the temporary surface. A National Grid spokesperson said: 'We know the current finish on Colmore Row isn't what people expect, and we understand the frustration that's been shared locally.'
The company explained that reinstating granite slabs is 'more complex than standard paving' and requires close collaboration with Birmingham City Council. Work continues to restore the remaining patches to return Colmore Row to its former glory.
