Unusable footpaths
Written for the Blog by a Preston resident.
Just had a comment from a housebound pensioner from Manor Park, Preston commenting on the footpaths being unwalkable in her area.
We are unaware of the purchase of a footpath gritting machine so are not able to confirm that but, it does sound an expensive bit of kit. If we have spent this money on the machine why isn't it being used to clear the footpaths around vulnerable people such as this. In a small community such as ours I would have thought there should be a plan in place ready to go when conditions such as those we are experiencing at the moment occur, remembering that footpaths are the direct responsibility of the Parish Council. We believe there is a councillor who has responsibility for footpaths but what that entails is unclear, maybe the council could clarify?
Is there a contact that these folks could use to get help from the council and wider community in times of need, not just footpaths but also shopping etc? If there is, do pensioners know about it?
Is there a potential claim against the parish council for compensation if a resident should slip and injure themselves?
Vulnerable people especially pensioners should be a priority for the council and any prepared plan must surely be implemented the moment this sort of weather materialises or is forecast I'm sure there are people who would gladly volunteer under such circumstances to assist the older and more infirm residents of our community, after all they contribute to the precept just as much as anyone else and have probably done so for many years and their contribution is still assisting us today.
Would the council like to comment and make the position clear, if we do not have a plan to deal with this type of eventuality can one be developed and a councillor given responsibility for implementing the plan as a portfolio holder.
Never seen the machine, are you sure your right?
ReplyDeleteSomeone from Preston.
As stated on the main page we are unaware of such a machine but it does make sense and have since identified the councillor who proposed the purchase, it was seconded and as far as we are aware, approved. Bearing this in mind it probably does exist, unfortunately we have not yet heard from anyone who has actually seen it.
ReplyDeleteWhen did the council buy it?
ReplyDeleteLaslo
There is a reference to the purchase of a 'Salt Spreader' in the 13th December 2011 council minutes so I presume the council have had the machine from about that date. The purchase cost is listed as £598.50, hope that helps and thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteAt that price it should be out there getting used, come on council!
DeleteLaslo
Been watching you for a little while, your efforts are very good but do you actually achieve anything?
ReplyDeleteGraham
Preston
I would like to think we have managed some small successes, I'll answer on the main page
DeleteThanks for reading and adding your comment.
Have us residents payed for the spreader and it not getting used.
ReplyDeleteDave
Hi Dave
DeleteIt may not have cost residents anything directly, County Council gave sever weather grants to go towards materials and equipment needed to a lot of Parish Councils. It may be the 'salt spreader' was purchased out of that money, of course I don't actually know I'm simply considering an alternative, as far as it not getting used is concerned, maybe it is getting used we just haven't witnessed it. Maybe someone who has seen it in use could comment?
Thanks for reading the Blog Dave and thanks for the comment.