Following the delay while things were clarified see Nigels posts..they have now plunged headlong into virgin territory and are digging up the newly laid surface, re-affirming that traditional English Custom and Heritage as mentioned above by B W-S. Stick it down then dig it up.
Speaking of heritage and tradition, anyone remember that Bernard Cribbins song of old, when holes were holes and they still dug em where they werent supposed to...
it went like this... all together now..
"
dont dig there, dig it elsewhere
your diggin it round and it outa be square
"
Still, we can get some solace from the item in Nigel's post that says they will replace it as new and you wont see the join.