WORK to replace controversial paving laid in Dunster’s West Street last year is planned to start next week at a cost of £55,000.

Somerset County Council prompted a storm of protest over its choice of stone, with villagers saying it was out of character with the conservation area.

A campaign was mounted and lengthy discussions and investigations ended with the county agreeing to replace the blue lias stone with Brecon grey stone – the same type as was laid in the High Street pavement some years ago and which has blended well into the historic setting of Dunster.

The cost of the new work, around £55,000, will be met by Somerset County Council with support from Dunster Parish Council and the Dunster Working Group, of which Exmoor National Park Authority is a member.

The blue lias paving, laid in January 2015, will be recycled by the contractor.

Work is set to start on Monday and take until November 25 to complete. Traffic controls will be in place.