The Westgate - Trust Annual Report 1981
Westgate Paving Proposals - note also the pleasing effect of the equestrian sculpture
silhouetted against the wall of Basticks
Following the by-passing of the Westgate, paving was laid as a temporary measure by the old City Council. In 1976 Donald Insall prepared a plan for repaving the Westgate, in conjunction with the landscaping of Castle Hill. This involved the laying of setts and the dropping of the road curbs at both end to give the semblance of a way through the gate. Unfortunately this plan was not implemented, and the Trust is very anxious that something should be done about the unused appearance of the gate. The semblance of a way through would give the impression of the gate being part of the scene, and not just an inconvenient ancient monument.
The Trust has recently met City representatives to consider what can be done at this time of financial stringency. Old granite setts from the entrance to the Guildhall, soon to be taken up in connection with the improvement scheme, could be reused at the Westgate, and this would provide the impression of a way through without undue expense. The mediaeval city wall formerly joined onto the north side of the Westgate, and the possibility is being considered of recreating a very small portion of this wall (perhaps 3-ft. or so) where the unused paved area of footpath curves around the side of the gate. This would remove the present isolated appearance of the gate, as has been done successfully elsewhere.
The Trust is prepared to sponsor this scheme in co-operation with the City Council, and it is hoped that the cost will largely be financed through grants.