CONSERVATIONIST John Hooper is hoping that the "Boys from the Blackstuff" will pay less frequent visits to Middleton in the future.

Mr Hooper, who is chairman of the Middleton Conservation Area Association, is infuriated by the disappearing stone pavements in the historic heart of the town.

He said it was an accepted principle that any pavements that had to be removed in the conservation zone - which is centred on Long Street and the Parish Church area - should be replaced "like with like".

He told a meeting of Middleton Environment Forum: "Instead we are getting acres of black top which we keep getting assured is only temporary," he said. "But it is not getting replaced and we now have whole streets, such as Cemetery Street, where the pavements are entirely unsightly blacktop.

"There are dozens and dozens of "temporary" blacktop areas in the conservation zone and it is just not on. We keep getting told by council officers that the blacktop will be replaced but it never is. It doesn't help that when they come to replace damaged paving stones, they don't just replace the broken ones but do a whole stretch of paving at the same time."

Last year the Forum agreed to the experimental laying of brick setts on part of the pavement in Long Street. It was agreed these were in keeping with the character of the area and that there would be no objections to them being extended throughout the area.

Highways officer, Stephen Tombs said: "We have recognised the concern and have given assurances to Mr Hooper that we shall be replacing the black top as soon as possible. We hope to include this in next year's programme, subject to council approval."