End of the road for Lymm’s Pepper Street Setts

A sad farewell to Lymm’s historic setts

As overnight works continue to reconstruct Pepper Street in Lymm, the final section of setts is due to be removed this evening.

Though the road will be re-laid with reclaimed stone setts, it will never be quite the same again.

Dating back to the early 19th century, the Pepper Street setts were laid during a time when the industrial revolution was transforming rural England.

Unlike modern asphalt roads, these cobblestones were designed for durability and ease of maintenance, providing a sturdy surface that could withstand the heavy loads of horse-drawn carts and carriages.

Each stone was hand-cut and carefully placed, a labour-intensive process that reflects the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of the period.

But in recent times, the road has been in need of major refurbishment.

A public consultation in 2022 considered various options for the refurbishment – and it was decided that the road would be reconstructed with reclaimed setts.

The works are taking place in three stages, the final part of stage one will take place later this evening as the last remaining section of original setts are lifted.

Lymm has seen many changes over the years and for those interested in taking a trip down memory lane, a visit to Lymm’s Heritage Centre is a must.

Our crew this morning at MIX56 HQ were talking about all of the Lymm businesses and buildings that have come and gone over the years.

We all have fond memories of places like Lymm Bistro – when you’d get complimentary olives as you were waiting for your table, and the cosy tapas bar upstairs.

And the wonderful Stephanie’s flower and gift shop.  What a place that was!

And there was shock and disappointment too – the overnight demolition of the Dingle Hotel on Rectory Lane.

And when the historic cobbles were removed from the main road going through the village and replaced with an inferior modern version.

But Lymm is constantly changing – and works are currently underway transferring a number of properties in the village.  Coming soon – is a new micro pub, skin clinic and pizza takeaway.

Works continue to remodel the old Barclays Bank and it’s already starting to look so much better.

For the record, rumours of a new Indian Restaurant moving in there are just rumours – for now!

And Pepper Street will soon have a new surface and look.

Hopefully the refurbishment will be sympathetic and only those in the know will notice the difference.

But for now, it’s time to say goodbye to the original Pepper Street setts which have served us so well for 200 years or more.