There are calls to repair a pavement in Threadneedle Street in Stroud following a number of incidents where elderly shoppers have fallen.

A petition has been set up calling for the pavement to be fixed after two people were left ‘physically injured and emotionally distraught following falls.

Gloucestershire County Council’s local highways manager says a recent inspection revealed no problems with the road, but a local business owner claims he is losing custom as a result of vulnerable shoppers being afraid to use the road.

Amrit Fatania, who owns 4 Seasons Market, said: “With the ice and the snow it gets a bit tricky.”

In a letter to Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie, Amrit wrote: “There are a number of uneven and broken bricks and paving slabs which have gone unrepaired for years despite numerous reports.

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“In recent months we have witnessed two elderly and vulnerable people trip, fall and injure themselves.

“They were both injured physically as well as leaving mentally and emotionally distraught.

“This is in addition to a number of other people who have stumbled, and lost balance due to the failure to repair the uneven pavement.

“Furthermore, a number of customers have informed us that they are unable to access the shop as either they cannot physically get in safely or fear that they may fall.

“Many of these customers are either vulnerable, shielding or elderly. .

“A couple of residents who witnessed the incidents have reported it online however, nothing to date has been done.

“The vulnerable and elderly residents of Stroud should be able to walk and access grocery shops without fear or risk of injury.”

Stroud mayor Kevin Cranston said: “Encouraging people to walk is an important part of Stroud’s Neighhourhood Development Plan.

“Pedestrian routes need same priority as roads.

“Uneven pavements are a hazard to all pedestrians but especially to those who have mobility challenges.”

Harriett Osburn, local highways manager for Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I’m sorry to hear there are concerns about Threadneedle Street.

“We inspected it only a few weeks ago and found no problems, but following these concerns I’ve asked for it to be re-inspected to double-check everything is OK.”