Footpath Safety Hazard (Wet Leaves & Poor Surface)

URGENT – Church Way Footpath Safety Hazard (Wet Leaves & Poor Surface)

I am writing to report a serious and recurring safety hazard on Church Way. (This was previously reported under ticket 8425750 - since then about 20% has been cleared, but most was ignored!)

Approximately 80 metres of the footpath are deeply covered with wet leaves. The build-up is so severe that the kerb is completely hidden and the distinction between road and pavement has effectively disappeared.

The footpath surface itself is also in poor repair, with potholes and uneven sections. These defects are currently concealed by the wet, slippery leaves, significantly increasing the risk of trips, slips and falls – particularly for older people, children, and anyone with mobility or visual impairments.

There is no pavement on the opposite side of the road, so pedestrians are increasingly choosing to walk in the carriageway to avoid the worst areas. This creates an obvious collision risk between vehicles and pedestrians.

These conditions will become even more hazardous when snow and ice appear, as the underlying damage to the path will remain hidden and the leaves will freeze, making the surface extremely slippery.

This situation occurs every year. I am therefore requesting:

1. Immediate clearance of the leaves and inspection/repair of the damaged footpath surface on Church Way.

2. Inclusion of this section of footpath in the council’s annual maintenance schedule, specifically for leaf clearance and surface inspection during the autumn/winter period.

Please treat this as a matter of public safety and confirm what action will be taken and when.