The Wrong Way to do Street Improvements

Over a short period of time the entire scheme will need to be replaced due to poor quality stone selection

Stockport Lower Hillgate street improvements is a good example of how cost savings have lead to the selection of cheap and unsuitable stone which has quickly broken up following installation.  The poor quality sandstone has failed due to its lack of structural integrity and under specified thickness. In the long term, the scheme will have cost two or three times the original installation price due to repairs and replacements.  With hindsight, spending more for higher quality sandstone or granite would have ensured a much longer life for the project, instead of a race to the bottom which was done to save on budget in the short term.