David Mentiply demands more grit from our councils.
In the midst of a cold snap, councils across the capital have rightly been all hands on deck to ensure the roads are gritted. But they have failed in their duty to care for London’s streets and residential pavements. The picture below is from Maze Hill, Greenwich. It shows the main footbridge that pedestrians have to cross in order to access the rail station. As you can see, it was still iced over and hazardous even at 9am on Friday morning. In fact, I had to cling onto the railings and cautiously shuffle down to avoid slipping. Such conditions often prevent people with disabilities, elderly people, or those with pushchairs from even leaving their homes.
After navigating my way over the footbridge, I then had the pleasure of skating across the rail platform and up over another footbridge to reach the ticket machines. Like the council, Network Rail had failed in its duty of care to local people – paying customers I might add. No attempt had been made to grit the platforms or clear the ice. As far as I could see, the only member of staff present was stuck behind the ticket desk.
Living Streets have set up a campaign calling for councils to commit to a ‘winter contract’. This entails clearing snow and ice from pavements, and sending contractors who can’t carry out their normal job in bad weather to help out where needed. Since councils already have a legal obligation to keep our pavements safe – under the Highways Act 1980 – I am rather sceptical as to whether their words would be met with deeds.
The third point of Living Streets’ ‘winter contract’ is, however, right up my alley. It stipulates that councils should ‘help residents do their bit by making sure grit is available, encouraging people to clear the street outside their property and helping organise volunteer teams of snow wardens’. If local residents are equipped with the right resources, I am convinced they will pull together and ensure their streets and pavements are safe for everyone in their community to use.
At the moment, we are powerless. We are at the behest of inadequate local council services and irresponsible companies. Give us grit and we’ll show you how it’s done!
11 Comments
I think you will find that that footbridge is not in Maze Hill – although I agree it shouldn’t be icy
Really? Where is it then?
Dave – who wrote this – took the picture on his way to work so it’s near his house which is very near Maze Hill station….
The footbridge passes over Maze Hill Station. It’s not on Maze Hill Road if that’s what you’re referring to?
Sorry to be a pedant. That footbridge is in Vanburgh Hill (SE10 on the downside, SE3 on the upside). It is some way down the line from the station too. I agree it should have been cleared of ice and I am making some enquiries about that. It is on a very very steep slope and even a little powdering of ice can make it treacherous – last year in heavy snow the Council;’s (new) gritter had a dreadful job to get up the road there at all. The pavement on the other side of the road has got some sort of special surface which gives a strong grip, and I think the bridge has something similar (its too late now to go out and look, and anyway its dark)
Sorry but you’re wrong.
Dave took the picture himself and it’s right near where he lives.
It’s crazy to suggest he doesn’t know what bridge he was standing on when he took the picture and wrote the article – bizarre.
Dave – can you go and take another pic of this bloody bridge with a sign or something in the background just to prove it to Mary… thanks!
I like pedants – shows you care. The footbridge is on Vanbrugh Hill and passes over Maze Hill station/rail tracks. I wouldn’t say it’s far at all. It takes me 2mins from the bridge to the platform.
thanks Dave – are you aware of the problems caused by access to the station from the south side of the line there? When Seren Park was built the Council required the developer to provide a path and gate to the up-side platform. The railway has consistently not allowed it to be opened.
Yes I heard there is a real problem with Network Rail over that. Crazy that residents have to walk a long loop around the station to enter when they are just a few metres away.
I appreciate your concern Mary. But I’m worried next time we have extreme weather the pavements will not be cleared or made safe. I’d like the council to provide the resources needed for local residents to maintain our streets. Only then can we be sure they will be safe for all members of our community to use.
ok – I had the road cleaning chief back to me just now saying he’s going to check out why it wasn’t cleared – and I will check it out if (and when) its icy again. Get in touch if you want – are you in Seren Park??
As I said, I don’t trust people like the ‘road cleaning chief’. They have failed us. Would much rather the council trust local people to look after their streets and pavements. As I said, give us grit and we’ll show them how it’s done!
I don;t live in Seren Park. Bit out of my league!
ok come and talk anyway