Pensioners call for more dropped kerbs in Market Drayton over mobility scooter problems

Christine Grundy, chairwoman of Market Drayton Senior Citizens, said members of the group struggle to get around the town because there are not enough dropped kerbs.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said there are some locations that require drop kerbs, but due to financial pressures they can only provide new ones if there was a "known requirement".

Mrs Grundy is urging people to contact highways with any problems areas.

She said: "I was recently told that the kerb does not drop in Elizabeth Court in Market Drayton, which is very strange as that is an area where many elderly people live.

"I have now been told by three people who have mobility scooters that they find it hard to get around the town. I would urge anybody who knows of a particular area that needs a kerb dropping to contact highways."

"Recently we contacted the council and a kerb was dropped so it does work."

The group meet at 2pm on the first Tuesday of every month at the Beacon Community Centre. Mrs Grundy said anybody over the age of 50 was welcome to attend and they were always looking for new members.

Ian Walshaw, Shropshire Council's highways manager, said the council aim to provide a route into the market towns on at least one side of the carriageway.

He added: "Shropshire Council provide dropped crossings at junctions to enable people with mobility issues to cross the road.

"We aim to provide a route into the market towns on at least one side of the carriageway, and have installed many dropped crossings in response to requests.

"If there is a particular location that a member of the public considers that a dropped crossing would be beneficial, then they can contact the local highways depot through our customer service centre, and we can include it in our future works programme."

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, added: "Shropshire Council takes its responsibilities seriously with regards to all access to the highways network for all members of society, and has endeavoured to provide dropped crossings at suitable locations."

"We acknowledge that there are still some locations that require them, but under current financial circumstances are providing new ones only where there is a known requirement."