Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Path is a ‘health risk’ for children
A WOMAN has claimed she had to carry her grandchild to school because the path was an “absolute disgrace” a nd covered i n horse manure.
Sheryl Phillips was taking granddaughter Indie to her first day at Mill of Mains Primary when she noticed the state of the streets.
The 53-year-old was using the pathway from Hebrides Drive that takes her to the school, which she says is the only walkway from her housing scheme, when she noticed the mess left behind.
She said: “I was just taking my granddaughter up to school for her first day, she was so excited.
“All the way up we were saying ‘watch your feet’. The path on the way up to the school is an absolute disgrace.
“We carried her all the way up just so that she wouldn’t step in it.
“It was shocking that you are having to do this in this day and age. You can’t go to either side of the path because of the big bus hes.”
And Sheryl said the route needed to be tackled urgently.
She said: “There is horse manure, the bushes are all overgrown, you would think you were in a jungle.
“You are actually going past catching your clothes, it’s terrible, it’s so sad. If it was dog faeces you would be fined for it.
“It’s a wee narrow path. It’s quite dark at night. The manure is all the way down.
“Imagine what it is going to be like in the middle of winter.”
Sheryl said she was also worried about the health risks if a child fell in the manure.
And she added she would like to see gates put in place to stop horses using the path.
She added: “They have got loads of walks in that area. I think it should be kid-friendly, childfriendly and adult-friendly to go back and forth to the school, there is no need for horses to be up and down.”
A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “We are looking into this location and will take the appropriate action.
“Anyone found failing to clean up after their dog will receive a fixed penalty of £80, rising to £100 if not paid within 28 days.
“We have launched the Take Pride in Dundee campaign to work with communities to make the city a cleaner and safer place to live.
“We encourage all dog owners, horse riders and residents of
Dundee to take pride in our city.”