Liberal Democrat Councillor demands action on dangerous pavements

Councillor Sue Abood has moved a motion calling on the Council to fix the dangerous pavements and work with providers to improve internet connectivity in Wood End. The motion comes after residents presented a petition to Full Council that detailed the struggles many of them face due to the poor quality of the pavements outside their homes.

The residents thanked Councillor Abood for her hard work and engagement with the issue and explained how the pavements are sloped, cracked and uneven. They said that many accidents have occurred already and that less abled people are particularly impacted.

Councillor Abood said “Firstly I’d like to thank the petitioners for putting this together and thank the residents of Wood End for taking the time to add their signatures. I’d like to move a motion calling on the Executive to accept the petitioners’ requests by:

• Confirming that the pavements are part of the work programme, ensuring that the proposed works accept the petitioners’ requests for a level pavement and an extension along Tithe Road,
• Working with internet providers to look at solutions to improve digital connectivity at the same time as repairs,
• Looking at ways to prevent parking on the pavements, and
• Reviewing the street lighting in the area.”

After the meeting Councillor Abood said “I’m very glad that this motion has passed with cross-party support. It is crucial that residents feel they can walk safely where they live. More work like this has been possible because of the extra funding allocated by the previous Lib Dem led administration to essential road and pavement maintenance.

“It is also vital that internet connectivity is improved at the same time as repairs to limit disruption. Having internet access is not just for fun, it is now a link to the rest of society and allows vulnerable people to be more independent, filling out online forms, food shopping and health appointments.”