Uneven pavements cause blind Telford man, 85, to walk straight into main road
A blind pensioner from Telford has called for the pavements around him house to be improved.
Richard Farmer says the poor quality of the pavements on Wrekin Road in Wellington meant that he has fallen over. The 85-year-old has to walk with a guide dog Rose and says that though she is excellent at guiding him, she struggles to help him cross the tricky terrain.
Mr Farmer, said: "My dog does her best but she can't help with the road surface. When you come to my house it is nearly a 10 per cent slope.
"On Tuesday I lost my footing and I thought my dog had gone onto one of the driveways but I ended up walking in the road.
"I was only helped by a policeman who happened to be passing by."
Mr Farmer says he believes the cracks are less than one centimetre deep and may not qualify for repair by Telford & Wrekin Council's highways department, although for him they have created a real problem.
He said: "It is just in a bad state of repair all along."
Telford & Wrekin council say officers have spoken to Mr Farmer and the issue is due to two manhole covers "protruding". The manhole covers belong to Severn Trent Water and officers have informed the water company.
Emily Taylor, spokeswoman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "We went out to see Mr Farmer.
"An officer inspected the walkways and found that there are two manhole covers, belonging to Severn Trent Water, on Wrekin Road which have covers that are protruding and could cause a trip hazard.
"The officer has contacted Severn Trent Water and asked that they visit the site and re-seat the covers as necessary."
