Complaints about listed marker stone painted outside Harris Park

There have been complaints about the Grade II listed marker stone outside Harris Park, Garstang Road being painted white.

Residents have complained that the milestone was painted white ‘obliterating the lettering’ on it.

The residents have been trying to find out which council is responsible for the painting.

Blog Preston received a statement from Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet member for planning and regulation for Preston City Council: “The mile marker outside Harris Park is Grade II listed.

“Renewal of the paintwork to prevent erosion does not require listed building consent as it is routine maintenance, necessary to protect the heritage asset.

“Officers are currently seeking to establish when the works will be completed.”

It is not known whether anything will be done to the marker stone from this point on.

A spokesperson from Friends of Harris Park said: “Outside the gates of Harris Park is a mile marker which is also Grade II listed. As it is outside the boundary of Harris Park, and on the pavement, it is the responsibility of the local authority.

“Late last year it was reported that a Council van had pulled up and the mile marker had been carelessly painted white, obliterating the lettering. As the marker is Grade II Listed any work done to it should only be carried out by an authorised expert. Prema Taylor from the FOHP has been making extensive enquiries of Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council and the Highways Department, in an attempt to find out who painted the mile marker and how it could be restored.

“So far no one is admitting responsibility for this act of what can only be described as vandalism, and no one is willing to take simple steps to restore it to its original condition.”

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