THE battle to remove a stretch of 'urban-style' paving in historic Dunster continued to gather support this week.

More than 100 people turned up to an open meeting called by the local parish council and voiced their anger at Somerset County Council's decision to replace ancient cobbles in West Street with blue lias stone.

And campaigners say the county council has been left in no doubt about the mood of Dunster residents.

A spokesman for an action group, the Dunster Conservation Group, set up in the wake of the furore said: "People want action, rather than words."

Monday's meeting was attended by county council group director of operations Richard Crouch, who told people he was there to listen and wanted to resolve the issue.

A residents' survey carried out last month showed that 97.7 per cent of those who responded – 444 people – wanted the see the blue lias replaced with the Brecon grey stone used in a similar scheme in the High Street four years ago.

"Residents questioned why the blue lias, which is four times the cost, was selected in preference to the originally agreed Brecon grey paving," said the action group spokesman.

She said the choice of blue lias was further questioned in relation to its suitability and durability, as well as porosity, which meant it became slippery when wet.

Dunster resident Laurie Hambrook, who has compiled an environmental report on blue lias, told the meeting that as a limestone it was incompatible with local red sandstone, both visually and chemically.

And questions were raised as to why the design and selection of stone had been made without talks with conservation experts, English Heritage and guidance from the British Geological Survey.

The action group spokesman said Mr Crouch had recognised that there were issues with the colour of the blue lias, the kerbing used, the castellated design, the stone itself and the lack of cobbles – in the High Street scheme strips of cobbles were retained beside the replacement Brecon grey slabs.

"Mr Crouch said he would submit his views to Somerset Highways Improvement Board but a final decision would be made by Cllr Harvey Siggs, portfolio holder for highways," said the action group spokesman.

In a statement, the county council confirmed that representatives had attended the meeting to hear the concerns of the community.

"Whilst it would seem that the community is happy with the many other improvements the council has made in Dunster, it is the use of blue lias and its finish which is causing consternation.

"Due to the strong views of the community the council is reviewing this aspect of the scheme and is working closely with the parish council and the Dunster Working Group with a view to decide on the best way forward."