UNEVEN and eroding footpath steps in Rodborough are “an accident waiting to happen”, residents have said.

Elderly householders in Stringer's Close are complaining about the poor state of paving on a key footpath which links the road to buses and amenities.

They say old and frail pensioners in the street are struggling to safely navigate the dilapidated and unsafe concrete steps – and that some have even fallen and injured themselves.

“The state of repair of some of these steps is really quite dangerous,” said Angela King, the village agent.

“Last winter one person was hospitalised after they slipped and fell on the steps.

“Something really need to be done to make the footpath safe again for the elderly people who live here.

“The path is an important link and shortcut for residents to get to Bath Road to catch buses to get to relatives and doctors’ appointments. For older people to long walk up Eros Drive is too much.

“For many this public transport is the only way to get around and there are no shops or services on the estate – so if they can’t get down the path they could become isolated.”

Gwen Phillimore, 85, a resident of Stringer’s Close for 30 years, said she’d known many of her neighbours to slip over on their way down the path.

“It is especially dangerous at night when you can’t see the handrail,” she said.

“And the steps themselves are completely uneven. When it’s icy it’s really hard to keep your footing on the surface. It’s an accident waiting to happen.

“I know a number of people that have suffered nasty falls and had to be taken to the minor injuries unit.”

Rodborough county councillor Brian Oosthuysen and Stroud district councillor Karen McKeown are now appealing to councils and local businesses to try and find a solution.

Stroud News and Journal:

“This area has a high level of older people, many who depend on public transport,” explained Karen (Labour).

“The path offers an essential link for people from this estate to get to Bath Road to catch buses.

“This is even more important now that the bus service into the estate has been reduced.

“Two people had falls on the path last year and therefore we really want to raise the profile of the need to repair the path before the winter sets in.”

Cllr Oosthuysen (Labour) added: “We all know budgets at Shire Hall are really stretched already and there are a number of competing demands – so this naturally isn’t going to be at the top of their list.

“But for the elderly people living here this is a real priority. That’s why we’ll be trying to raise the money ourselves to add to any county council funding so that the work can happen.

“We’re hoping for a small pot of money from the parish council – but would welcome any help from local businesses. The cost to repair and resurface the steps stands at around £7,000.

“This is about making sure our older residents don’t get overlooked.”

If you can help please contact Cllr McKeown on khmc99@gmail.com