(Photo provided by The Press in York)

The stone floor of Stonegate, one of the oldest streets in the UK, has been repaired by York City Council this week. Only, they haven't replaced the English Pennine flags with similar stones. These gaps in the road have been replaced with TARMAC.

York is a tourist haven for people who want authenticity, not a quick fix attempt at a few broken slabs.

According to The Press newspaper in York, "TRADERS claim York's Stonegate now looks more like 'Tarmacgate' after council workmen replaced dozens of stone flags with patches of asphalt."

City of York Council has replied to the complaints, saying that the stones weren't bearing well under the weight of all the heavy lorries which drive down the road, and that this is only a 'temporary measure'.However, many have been quick to dismiss this repsonse, including York Civic Trust chief executive David Fraser who retorted that "Asphalt is just wrong in Stonegate, even as a temporary repair, and we all know that “temporary” repairs are always there for a long time."

And he's not wrong. The City of York Council are failing to protect our most precious asset - history. And if they won't do anything about it, then maybe we will. Please sign the petition to show your support.

Information/reading/PHOTOS

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/14490796.Stonegate__Looks_more_like_Asphaltgate/