A petition to 'stop Plymouth City Council from removing the cobbles' from a section of the Barbican is being backed by thousands of people.

The change.org petition, which was set up three days ago, has already amassed more than 4,200 signatures.

It was sparked because of plans to remove a large patch of cobbles from the pier and move them elsewhere.

The removal of the cobbles comes as part of the West Pier's transformation, which hopes to preserve, protect and strengthen it for next 100 years.

The historic pier, which is home to the Mayflower Steps, looks set to get a major makeover which will "shine a spotlight on the globally significant space as well as enable the city to make more of the incredible world-changing journeys that started from Plymouth".

However, part of the regeneration project will include the removal of a section of the iconic cobbles.

Cobbles are out, paving slabs are in
Cobbles are out, paving slabs are in

One element of the planning application includes a plan to: "Resurface the pier, removing kerbs and laying flat-cut natural stone to make it easier for people with prams and wheel chairs. This extends across to the Admiral MacBride and the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners building, as well as in front of the Mayflower Museum."

Many people took to social media slamming the plans, but some supported the proposal - and Plymouth City Council also put out some more information on their Facebook page.

The petition reads: "Plymouth City Council are looking to remove a large area of cobble stone from Plymouth’s historic Barbican area (West Pier), in favour of flat paving slabs.

"The Barbican is the largest cobblestoned area, with the largest concentration of cobblestoned streets in the UK. The cobbles may be moved to replace existing [ones], but we will lose this area forever.

"Removing these is simply butchery of one of the most historic areas in this country, and they must be stopped.

"Please support this petition and show Plymouth City Council that the people DO care about our heritage."

Speaking to Plymouth Live on June 8, council chiefs made it clear they were very conscious about the need to preserve the city's hertitage.

Plymouth’s West Pier could be transformed as part of an extensive rejuvenation programme designed to preserve, protect and strengthen it for next 100 years
Plymouth’s West Pier could be transformed as part of an extensive rejuvenation programme designed to preserve, protect and strengthen it for next 100 years

A spokesperson said: "As part of our proposals we are looking to replace an area that’s currently tarmaced with cobbles that we will taking from this pier. We understand the cobbles were re-laid in the 1990s."

"And in a Facebook post after the news had emerged, the council wrote: "There’s been an awful lot of comment about the plans to restore West Pier. But some fiction has been creeping in, so here are some facts:

"We’re as proud of our heritage, including the cobbles in the Barbican, as anyone, which is why there will be no net loss of cobbles.

"Fact – the cobbles on the pier have to be removed so the pier structure underneath can be repaired. It has been undermined by the tide and water running into it and voids have formed. These need to be filled and the pier stabilised. This work has to take place to protect and preserve the structure for the future.

"Fiction – we are not ripping up all the cobbles on the Barbican – why would we? We love them.

"Fact – The planning application proposes the cobbles currently on the pier will be moved a short distance to the area at the beginning of the pier, creating a longer stretch of cobbles leading up Commercial Road outside the Admiral MacBride.

poll loading

West Pier cobbles - should they stay?

"On the pier itself there will be a quality granite surface that will allow water to properly drain away to help avoid future erosion problems, as well as allow it to be used safely by people with disabilities and parents with prams.

"Fact – The cobbles we are moving were re-laid on the pier in the early 90s. They are only going a short distance away to cover an area that is currently unattractive tarmac.

"Fact – the 'Prawn' will be moving to a new home and we are in talks right now about where it could go. Watch this space.

"Fact – this is not only about preserving the pier, this about making sure businesses and residents are protected against flooding in years to come – that’s another key reason why we need to do this work. The pier plays a pivotal role in protecting Sutton Harbour.

"Fiction – we have not taken any decision on any of this yet. The planning application has just been submitted - it will be for the planners to decide if this goes ahead or not."