THE historic cobbles on Dunster’s pavements could be replaced due to safety fears.

The cobbles are causing injuries to people, especially older ones and those using wheelchairs or buggies, according to the Dunster Working Group.

Because no one owns the cobbles, they are in a poor state of repair and traders fear litigation if they take responsibility for repairing them.

Dunster’s working group, made up of members of Somerset County Council, the local parish council, the Highways Agency, the National Trust and the Exmoor National Park Authority have suggested replacing the cobbles with smooth pavement at an estimated cost up to £100,000.

Paul Toogood, chairman of the working group, said there are holes of six to seven inches and the ambulance service has had to be called out several times because of injuries on the pavements.

A final decision will be made in November and if the work goes ahead a bid for funding would be made to Local Action for Rural Communities.

The village remains a popular tourist destination because of its preserved medieval history.

David Howells, from South Wales, said: “I have visited Dunster around six times.

“What defines Dunster is that it has not been changed for centuries.

“Dunster will lose its charm."

Angela Dex from Kent said: “For hundreds of years, people have managed to cope with cobbled paths and roads.

“Because it is not the norm in our towns and villages now, and Dunster is almost unique in retaining them, then surely it is important to keep them?”