Fall prompts pavement review calls

RESIDENTS are stepping up their campaign to improve dangerous pavements.

The move comes after pensioner Vera Jones tripped over a cracked Crewe flagstone for the second time.

The 84-year-old, of Capesthorne Road, broke her wrist and suffered facial injuries from the fall in Capenhurst Avenue last Friday.

And in 2007 she suffered black eyes and cuts to her face when she fell over a cracked flagstone in Moreton Road.

She said: "When you get to my age, it takes longer to get over a fall. I'm worried about going out again now because I'm afraid I'll fall."

Frank Jones, of Scott Avenue, Crewe, set up the Safer Pavements Action Team (SPAT), after wife Dorothy damaged her knee after tripping on an uneven slab in Crewe town centre.

Mr Jones, aged 74, said he intended to write to MP Edward Timpson about the issue.

He added: "We've had no progress since we delivered our petition to the leader of Cheshire County Council in July 2007."

A spokesman for Cheshire East Council, said: "We inspect all our roads and footpaths on a regular basis.

"Potholes in the road which are two inches deep or greater are repaired or made safe within 24 hours.

"Due to budget restrictions, it is essential to prioritise highways maintenance spending so it is directed to areas of greatest need."