Councillor fears refurbishment could lead to slip hazard

Hereford councillor Jim Kenyon fears the ongoing refurbishment of Commercial Street could lead to a hazard for walkers and wheelchair users.

The former mayor says the incline, the surface and the broad size of the slabs being placed along there could make the walkway dangerous – particularly after a frost.

He is calling on Herefordshire Council to review the highway works currently under way to avoid a hazard like that of the Widemarsh Street kerb.

He said: “The council has an opportunity to look at the surface dressing now before the works are completed.”

However, a council spokesperson said the materials meet all safety requirements and have been thoroughly tested in line with national standards to reduce the risk of slippage in both dry and wet conditions.

He said: “As part of the refurbishment works, the majority of downpipes from buildings that previously ran across the paving on Commercial Street have been connected directly into below ground pipes, reducing the volume of surface water considerably.

“Safety is our top priority, and Commercial Street is gritted when significantly cold or adverse conditions are forecast.”

Councillor Kenyon said he was very disappointed that the council are not going to review the safety of the surface used.

He said: “Let’s hope it’s true but I’ll hate to be the one to say I told tell them so.
“Stand by for the claims against the council because they won’t have a leg to stand on.

“You can see how slippy it is and when have the pavements ever been gritted?”