Danger footpath needs improving

We are always being encouraged to exercise for our physical and mental health, especially in these difficult times, which I fully support and have always practised.

However, should you wish to walk along the busy and very fast stretch of the A431 Bath to Bristol road, between Northstoke Lane and Swineford, which many people currently do, you will most definitely be putting your health and life at risk rather than improving it.

The footpath along this stretch of road has in places completely disappeared through years of neglect, especially on a very dangerous bend.

And where the footpath is visible, it is extremely difficult if not impossible to use due to the over hanging hedge and large stinging nettles always trying to “bite” you.

There is a bus stop on this stretch of road and it is ironic that some years ago the kerb was raised to enable wheelchair/pushchair access to buses, and yet it is impossible to safely walk to this bus stop let alone push someone to it.

This problem has been brought to the attention of B&NES via “Fix my Street” on many occasions by myself and others.

On October 16th I again reported this on Fix My Street, and had a reply on 19th October stating this has been programmed to be included in upcoming works. And told: “Report closed”

When signage was put up on the A431 in this area recently announcing the roads overnight closure from the 9th -14th November, I assumed it was for this work to be carried out making this section of footpath safe to walk again. No, that was foolish of me! The overnight road closure was for South Gloucestershire to resurface the road passing through Swineford, which has been much

needed for a long time. Surely, with this road closed, as it has been, it was an ideal time for B&NES to carry out the necessary work on this dangerous stretch of roadside pavement making it safely usable again.

Thousand of pounds spent on making Bath City streets “pedestrian friendly” with infuriating bollards slowing traffic to a crawl, and no interest in improving pedestrian safety on a dangerous stretch of a very fast country road!

Come on B&NES get this sorted before there is a fatality on this stretch of road.

Chris Payne

Bath