A petition against laying tarmac on Sandwich Guildhall Forecourt has gained nearly 200 signatures.

Councillors suggested the measure at a town council meeting back in August.

The Forecourt, which is used for events and the market every Thursday, needs some maintenance repair work.

The town council explained the granite setts are moving, the sub-base needs to be repaired and the soakaway is damaged.

The petition was signed by 191 people who feel the historic cobbles should not disappear under tarmac. One of those is Sandwich Society chairman John Hennessy, who organised the petition and presented it to the council in December.

He said: “That’s the first view that a lot of people get of the town. It’s quite a nice area and reflects what it used to be.”

He explained that when the Mayor greets coach parties on a Thursday with the town crier, the cobbles are the first view tourists have of the town. Many would like to keep it that way, with visitors as well as residents signing the petition.

Mr Hennessy said: “If it is tarmacked it could attract youths and it wouldn’t look very attractive at all. I don’t think anybody will object to making it nicer but the proposal to tarmac is the cheapest option. Tarmac soon cracks up.”

He added: “It would seem a shame to have it looking like a school playground for the sake of a market day for four hours on a Thursday.

“When they relayed them, to make it cheaper, they laid them on their sides which brings up the sharp edges. It is difficult for people to walk across it.”

“It would seem a shame to have it looking like a school playground." - John Hennessy.

The town council discussed it at the last toll bridge fund meeting held on December 15. It was decided that no decision would be made just yet.

At the meeting, the trustees said that it is understandable that the public are concerned, but they will find a way to repair and enhance the area.

Cllr Jeff Sneffer and Cllr Joe Trussler, who came up with the idea, have been asked to draw up a plan in the new year.

In the meantime, there is a 7.5 tonne weight restriction to prevent further damage.