Press Release: 18.03.09

18th March 2009

Footpath Kent Highways forgot!

Elderly bus users in Halfway have won their battle to have a footpath repaired in Queenborough Road.

The footpath, which is adjacent to Sunnyfields Avenue and is in a dangerous condition, was programmed for repair by Kent Highways 18 months ago.

Workmen came and marked out the area to be repaired and local residents were hopeful that something would be done soon after. Unfortunately, that was the last activity that anyone saw in the area and despite repeated calls from frustrated bus users, no repairs were ever carried out and the markings on the footpath have slowly faded away.

Now, following action by local Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Gordon Henderson, and his colleague, Cllr Ken Pugh, it looks as if bus users could soon be able to use the bus stop in safety.

Cllr Pugh explained:

‘Following a complaint from a local resident to Gordon, I contacted Keith Ferrin, who is responsible for highway matters on Kent County Council.

‘Keith agreed to visit Queenborough Road to see for himself what state the pavement is in. He was appalled at what he found and apologised that the repair seems to have slipped through the net. It appears that Kent Highway Services simply forgot the repair was supposed to be done.

‘He has assured local residents that the footpath will be repaired as soon as possible.’