DISABLED residents have blasted irresponsible car users for making it impossible for them to get around Penhill. Cars are regularly parked on pavements and grass verges on the housing estate forcing people in wheelchairs and scooters to use the road to get around them.
Bridget Coady, 65, of Warminster Avenue, Penhill, said: “I find it extremely hard to get around the cars. I started using a scooter a couple of months ago but I could not get out of my back garden because cars were blocking my exit.
“I couldn’t get out the front of my house because there is a step there which I can’t use with my scooter. So I was effectively trapped. I had to turn to Dial-a-Ride to get out of my house.
“It was so frustrating because I had bought myself a scooter but I couldn’t use it.”
Mrs Coady took her complaint to the council but was told there was nothing they could do unless they knew who the drivers were.
Mrs Coady has now had a dropped kerb placed in front of her house, which makes it a lot easier to get out, but she still thinks more should be done to stop people parking on the pavement and grass verges.
Penhill councillor David Glaholm is calling for Swindon council to send traffic wardens to Penhill and fine those who park illegally.
He said: “The council has the power to penalise these drivers but they refuse point blank to do this. They say people need to be educated rather than punished. Disabled people are finding it increasingly difficult to get around.”
“Unless the council starts using its powers to do something, nothing will change.”
The other problem which is affecting Penhill’s disabled residents is the development taking place in Braydon Court. A safe footpath has had to be closed while the development is in place, but Coun Glaholm says the council has not provided a safe alternative route.
He said: “It is scandalous and shows a real lack of thought on the part of officers. I’m horrified by it and there is potentially going to be a serious accident.”
Disabled resident Dot Pitthers, 64, of Durnford Road, Penhill, believes something needs to be done quickly.
She said: “I can’t get down to the shops or post office because there is not a path for me to take.
“They have a tarmac ramp there but it is way too steep. No-one with a zimmer frame would be able to get up it. So I am effectively barred from shopping because of the development.”
David Renard, cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care, agreed it was a problem and said: “I am not happy with the provisions of footpaths and I have asked officers for alternative routes which I hope will be delivered as soon as possible.
“It is an issue which needs urgent addressing because we need to ensure people’s safety.
“The site will be re-inspected after the Easter weekend to ensure such wishes have been complied with.”
Swindon Advertiser, 12th April 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment