Paving the way to historic look
The re-paving of St. George's has taken another step forward with the completion of Church Lane, Broad Alley and No Name Alley.
Since the start of the project in 1999, sections of the historic town have been transformed with traditional paving stones to create an old world-type environment.
The latest work brings the number of alleys and lanes repaved to six. Progress is determined by the arrival of sufficient funding to cover the cost of the work.
KPMG was a major contributor towards the just-finished sections, along with the Bermuda End-to-End charity and Bob Steinhoff and sons in memory of the late Patricia Steinhoff, who died in a scuba accident off the West End of the Island last year.
The St. George's Foundation is overseeing the initiative to brick pave the streets and lanes in collaboration with the Corporation of St. George.
Henry Hayward, chairman of the St. George's Foundation, said: "It is part of the town heritage plan, we have the rest of the town to do and we are looking for donors.
"It creates a more historic appearance. The Corporation's workers assist in getting it done and the sponsors can have their name on a plaque associated with the lane."
A number of unforeseen difficulties in the supply of the paving cobbles and stones prevented the latest section from being completed as timely as had been intended, not least the change of ownership of the supply company in England.
St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey said: "With each lane the workmen are doing a more excellent job.
"When they pull up a road they do not know what is underneath and they have encountered unseen problems."
As the workers complete the repaving they first ensure that underground pipes, including some empty ones, are in place for utilities such as Belco, BTC and cable companies, ensuring the finished surface does not have to be ripped up.
The next lane in line for repaving is Petticoat Lane. St. George's Foundation has secured the funding for that project, which is due to begin once new street lighting poles have been installed in Duke of York Street.
