THE “appalling state” of pavements in Worcester city centre has led another pensioner to be seriously injured and taken to hospital.
Resident Bertie Ballinger has called for something to be done after a woman suffered a broken wrist and facial injuries after tripping on Sansome Walk in Worcester.
He said: “It’s appalling that the condition of Worcester’s pavements has deteriorated to the point where people are being injured and taken to A&E.
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“I was informed a few weeks ago that a member of the public tripped and fell on Sansome Walk, suffering serious injuries that required an ambulance and a trip to A&E.
“That follows at least two other reported trip incidents in the city centre.”
Worcester News previously reported how Wendy Lee, aged 74, tripped on Worcester High Street and was knocked unconscious after tripping on an uneven pavement slab.
HAPPY: Wendy Lee and her husband, Nicholas, before the incident on Worcester High Street took place. (Image: Wendy Lee)
A few weeks later, another woman had tripped on the same slab outside M&S.
Mr Ballinger said the woman who tripped on the slab was taken to A&E and had fallen into the road during the incident.
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He said he found several more loose and broken slabs only 10 metres away.
DAMAGED: Some of the several uneven pavement slabs in Worcester city centre. (Image: Bertie Ballinger)
He said: “It feels like repairs are being carried out in isolation rather than addressing the wider problem.
“Worcester city centre and the surrounding streets are being left in a poor state, creating unnecessary hazards for residents and visitors alike.
Patchwork paving slabs can be seen across the High Street. (Image: Newsquest)
“Despite these incidents being reported in the Worcester News and county, I have seen no public statement from the county council or the local county councillor about what is being done to prevent further injuries.”
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Worcester City Council leader Lynn Denham has also raised concerns about deteriorating pavements.
INJURED: Uneven pavement slabs in Worcester city centre. (Image: Bertie Ballinger)
Councillor Tom Wells, cabinet member for highways and transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We are sorry to hear about this incident and wish the woman a speedy recovery.
“We regularly inspect and maintain pavements across Worcestershire and investigate concerns raised by residents.
“Where repairs are needed, they are prioritised and carried out through our maintenance programme.
“Anyone wishing to report a pavement defect can do so via the County Council’s website.”
