'Uneven walkway at Sun Pier, an accident waiting to happen' - says local Lib Dems campaigner

Local Lib Dems campaigner, Alan Wells is concerned that the location at the back of Sun Pier House and B & M's car park and to the entrance to Sun Pier itself, has become dangerous and poses a risk of injury to walkers. Medway Liberal Democrats have set up a petition to repair the walkway, you can sign here: medwaylibdems.org.uk/en/petition/repair-pathway-on-sun-pier

There are a number of uneven and broken bricks and paving slabs which have gone unrepaired for months, its a hazard during the daytime, it is even worse at night time, despite the street lighting. People using pushchairs, and residents who are disabled, vulnerable or wheelchair users, are at risk using this stretch of the walkway.

The area is an established riverside walk, and the Sun Pier Area is a key riverside conservation area, which provides accessibility to the riverside and pier. It should allow for comfortable surfaces for full and unhindered access for the mobility impaired and maximise opportunities for walking, jogging, and cycling.

Alan Wells, Liberal Democrats candidate for Strood Rural said, " This is an accident waiting to happen, the area is well used for shoppers who use B&Ms, residents who live at the flats adjoining Sun Pier and anyone who wants to visit the Pier. The walkway is cracked, parts of it are raised dangerously, and there are gaps between the paving slabs.

The walkway should be risk assessed by the Council as a matter of urgency, requiring immediate action. The flagstones are immediately adjacent to the Pier, should be inspected, quite clearly there are safety defects. I have monitored the area for the last 8 months, and seen it deteriorate, over time.

It is a popular area and residents should be able to walk and access the walkway without fear or risk of injury. Pedestrian routes need same priority as roads, the walkway is a hazard to those who have mobility challenges. I am calling on the council to repair and level broken and uneven areas of the walkway affected. I use the walkway a lot and repairs should be immediately carried out, I would think that under Health and Safety this should be one of the priorities."

ENDS