WHAT A BODGE!
Council ‘fixes’ famous mosaics ... by tarmacking over them
THEY have been attractive features of one of the nation’s most famous streets for more than three decades.
But now council staff have been criticised for damaging the intricate mosaic roses while patching up the road surface.
Edinburgh residents were livid after discovering tarmac had been ‘slopped’ over two of the distinctive cobble artworks in Rose Street by council workers.
Eight mosaics created by Maggy Howarth were installed on the pedestrianised street in the 1980s as a tribute to the city’s New Town heritage. However, two of the remaining five are now splattered with tar.
Karen Towler, 26, from Edinburgh, posted images of the shocking repairs online, saying: ‘You have got to be kidding, Edinburgh City Council. Just slop some tarmac over this beautiful artwork on Rose Street?
‘While I fully appreciate public safety taking precedence, this tarmac job, a) looks awful b) it could damage the piece, and c) it probably won’t even last until Christmas. Why not just get it right first time?’
Terry Levinthal, director of the Cockburn Association, which promotes the conservation of Edinburgh’s landscape, history and architecture, said: ‘We recognise the paving is at the end of its lifetime. It needs to be replaced and done properly. But there is only so much the local authority can do on this. We need to interconnect on this to make sure improvements are made.’
The council confirmed plans are in place to restore Rose Street. Leader Adam McVey said: ‘Parts of the roses were badly broken through wear and tear, became dangerous and have now been made safe. We will consult local businesses and residents on how the character of Rose Street, including the use of mosaics and other public art, can be best reflected as we take forward improvements to the public realm in Rose Street.’