Kentish Express Ashford & District
Investigation after pavement fall
Council highways chiefs say they will investigate a pavement after an Ashford hairdresser tripped and was left wheelchair-bound with a shattered ankle.
Last week the Kentish Express reported how Toni Bullen, of Repton Park, suffered the fall while walking in Dymchurch during the Day of Syn festival last month.
She said the unexpected and uneven surface caused her fall, leaving her sprawled on the pavement with a broken ankle and twisted knee.
She said: “The injuries have been horrific. It left me stunned on the pavement with everyone crowding around.
“Everyone there seemed to know that stretch of pavement is notorious. So locals know to take care, but for someone just walking along, you’re not expecting it at all and I was completely unaware.”
This week, Kent County Council Highways said they have investigated Mill Road, where Ms Bullen believed she fell, as well as St Mary’s Road.
A spokesman said: “We are very concerned to hear what has happened.
“We have inspected Mill Road and the surrounding area and could not find any defect.
“The Highway Steward contacted Ms Bullen and established it happened in St Mary’s Road.
“An inspection will be carried out and any defect identified will be repaired accordingly. Our inspectors regularly check the pavement for defects but we encourage people to help us identify any problems and report them via our website.”
Problems with the pavements can be reported online by visiting www.kent. gov.uk/highways.