'Forced onto the road': Residents demand repairs to unsafe pavements

Residents in an Edinburgh housing estate are urging the council to improve pavements in the area over claims they are leaving people injured.

Locals say sloped surfaces, narrow paths, uneven patchwork repairs and missing or poorly maintained dropped kerbs are leaving routes unsafe and, in some cases, inaccessible in Broomhouse, particularly for those using walking frames or wheelchairs.

Women who take part in walking groups run by local charity B Healthy Together say it’s a lifeline – helping boost their physical health and overall wellbeing.

But deteriorating pavements are making even short journeys increasingly difficult.

‘It’s hard for people’

Poorly maintained and missing dropped kerbs make journeys harder STV News

Helena Malcolm, who attends the group, said she has narrowly avoided falling – but others have not been so lucky.

“The difficulty is when you come to a kerb that doesn’t have a drop on it and you have to lift these walkers,” she told STV News. “It’s hard work.

“As great as they are, they’re heavy. If there isn’t a drop, it’s extra work, and you’re exhausted by the time you get there.

“You’re walking sideways, holding your walker up, trying to keep yourself steady.”

She said the group has become increasingly cautious.

“You tend to watch what you’re doing. You get to know the roads and aim for the good bits.”

Frances Forsyth had a fall at the bottom of Broomhouse Court STV News

Frances Forsyth said she was left with bruises and grazes after falling at the bottom of Broomhouse Court on her way to a craft class.

“I’d have still been lying there if it wasn’t for the postman who spotted me,” she said.

She added that they find it easier to stay on the roads due to the condition of the pavements and kerbs.

“Watching my friends walking down the road with their walkers – by the time I need one, I hope they are fixed. It’s really bad.”

Sloped, cracked pavements in Broomhouse STV News

Gravel-filled cracks and holes in the pavements STV News

She said the issue affects a wide range of people.

“Older people, mums with buggies; you see them all struggling. Cracks, holes, really bad slopes. You need proper dropped kerbs to get safely from one side to the other.”

Despite the challenges, she said the walking group remains invaluable.

“It means a lot to me. I’ve got bad eyesight and problems with my legs and feet, but it’s brilliant. We’ve got a good bunch – we go to the parks and have a laugh.”

‘Your eyes are glued to the ground’

Helga Rhein helps lead the walking groups in Broomhouse STV News

Former GP Helga Rhein, who volunteers with the walking groups, is set to raise the issue during a meeting at Edinburgh City Chambers on Thursday.

She is calling for targeted repairs – including improvements to sections of pavement on Broomhouse Medway – which she says would significantly improve access.

“For people who are elderly or have health problems, the pavement is our sports equipment,” she said.

“The women in our group are fantastic. They come out every Friday, no matter the weather, and support each other.

“But the pavements make it difficult. Your eyes are glued to the ground so you don’t trip. There aren’t enough dropped kerbs and, where they exist, they’re often not smooth enough. People still have to lift their walkers.”

She said even modest improvements could have a major impact.

“If just one side of the road was repaired so it’s even, it would make such a difference.

“It would encourage more people to walk. It’s the easiest exercise you can do – and the mental health benefits are huge. You get out in the fresh air and speak to people.”

Locals call for funding to help improve walkways in Edinburgh housing estate STV News

David Hunter, convener from group Living Streets STV News

Charity Living Streets is urging councillors to increase investment in walking infrastructure, including an additional £500,000 to be allocated to footway maintenance.

Convener David Hunter said: “Pavements are one of the most basic things a community should have – the ability to walk around safely. Unfortunately, many are in a terrible condition.

“The problems we see in Broomhouse are not unique. Missing dropped kerbs and poor surfaces make crossing roads hazardous, particularly for disabled people.

“Walking is meant to be a top priority in transport spending, but the budget hasn’t increased for three years. We’re calling for an immediate uplift.

“Being able to walk around your neighbourhood – to school, to the bus stop, to work – that’s the bread and butter of any community.”

The Transport and Environment Committee meet to discuss its budget on Thursday.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “The petition on this matter will be heard by Committee later this week and we want to find a solution that works for everyone.

“In terms of footway investment, we’ve earmarked £3.5m this financial year and will continue to target the areas of the city that need it most. We’re also working on the second phase of our citywide dropped kerb programme, which includes new dropped kerbs, junction radius tightening and continuous footways.

“I’m committed to making our roads and pavements as safe as possible in every part of Edinburgh.”