Pavements in a residential area of Peasedown St John have received a much needed makeover following a year long campaign.

Residents living in Eckweek Gardens first raised their concerns with the village councillors about the poor condition of pavement surfaces in 2018.

As a result, a petition was signed by those living in the area, which was then presented by Cllr Karen Walker and Cllr Sarah Bevan to the Highway Authorities at both B&NES Council and Curo.

Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown St John) said: “Thanks to all the residents of Eckweek Gardens who signed the petition, showing the strength of feeling in the community.

"The pavements had become cracked, broken and full of dangerous holes. Several pedestrians had tripped, including one elderly lady who broke an arm.

The support Cllr Bevan and I had from residents through their petition, gave us a strong case to take to B&NES and Curo for resurfacing works to be done.”

Pavements in Eckweek Gardens, similar to many in other parts of the village, fall under the jurisdiction of both Bath & North East Somerset Council and Curo, depending on their exact location, meaning that coordinating repair work isn’t always easy.

Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independent, Peasedown St John) added: “The highways staff at the Council and Curo were both fantastic. Last year, we spent an afternoon walking around the estate showing officials which pavements needed repair work and we agreed a schedule for the resurfacing to be carried out.

Just before we went into lockdown, all the repair works were complete and now the pavements look fantastic!

Thanks to all the residents of Eckweek Gardens who lobbied us about this, the estate is now looking a lot safer with newly resurfaced pavements.”

The pavements were in such poor condition, the total cost of repairs came to almost £20,000. B&NES Council paid for those bordering the highway, and Curo funded those within the pedestrianised areas of the estate.

 

Our photo shows Cllr Karen Walker and Cllr Sarah Bevan, pictured before social distancing, in Eckweek Gardens Peasedown St John next to some of the newly refurbished pavements.