Ann Pembroke points out the cobbles that Charles Dickens walked on, now partly covered by Tarmac

THEY were the cobbles that Charles Dickens once walked on as he went about writing his book Oliver Twist, the enduring classic novel partly set in the historic square of Clerkenwell Green.

But despite undergoing a major and costly revamp, which has seen roads removed and pavements widened as part a “greening the Green” scheme, one thing that has been overlooked: the cobbles!

Ann Pembroke, who leads the Clerkenwell Green Preservation Society. said: “We are really petitioning the council to get the broken Tarmac off road to reveal the cobbles – which Charles Dickens would have walked on – and are all part of this historic area. I mean, this is our heritage here and we want it revealed. We don’t want it neglected as it has been.”

Ms Pembroke said in 2016 she was given assurances by a manager in the council’s highways team that Islington would take an experimental approach to removing a stretch of Tarmac and return to the cobbles, but nothing was done.

She added there was a pressing need for action now as trucks are lining up to pour new Tarmac over the historic cobbles.

Ms Pembroke is also concerned that sections of them, which she claims are of some value, have already been removed when the paving outside her house, which overlooks the square, was widened this week.

A Grade II-listed build­ing opposite her was once home to an antiquarian bookshop which featured in Oliver Twist and was drawn by the artist Phiz, who illustrated Dickens’ book about London’s street life.

Other targets on her hitlist include getting a blue plaque to Dickens on the former bookshop building. She also wants to see the reopening of the George Jennings public lavatories.

Councillor Rowena Champion, executive member for environment and transport, said: “Clerk­enwell Green is one of Islington’s most historic public spaces. The works aim to improve air quality, boost biodiversity, and make the area more attractive, quieter, greener, healthier and safer for people to walk or cycle, and use buggies or wheelchairs.

“The work is in line with designs we consulted on in 2017. I have written to Ms Pembroke, and am happy to discuss specific issues with any residents.

“We are continuing to explore options around the carriageway paving on Clerkenwell Close, and no decision has yet been made.” No decision has yet been made about the Victorian loos.