It all looks very nice on pictures, but is revamp a hazard to the elderly?
A MAN in his 80s has broken two bones in his leg after falling from a kerb which, his daughter says, is allbut invisible to elderly and vulnerable people.
Rishi Prinja tripped and fell in Ward’s End, Loughborough, soon after Charnwood Borough Council completed work on part of the Bedford Square regeneration project.
Rishi’s daughter says he could not see the kerb because it is the same colour as the paving next to it, making it unsafe for the elderly or people with impaired sight to use.
Councillor Mary Draycott has echoed her concerns, claiming it is clear the area is not safe.
However, the council says it carried out two road safety audits on the scheme and neither flagged up any accessibility issues.
Mr Prinja was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary with a broken bones in his knee and thigh after his fall near the Moon and Bell pub. He was given emergency surgery and his leg has been put into a cast and a sling.
His daughter, who did not wish to be named, said: “We go visit Dad when we can, because of Covid restrictions.
“He’s frustrated he’s in hospital and, while it was an accident, as a family we are not impressed with Charnwood Borough Council.
“They have invested millions in this project and this new pavement. While the photographs look great, its an absolute mess. People can’t distinguish where the paving is or where the pavement and the kerb meet.
“My dad goes out for walks every day and is always back by midday. Last Wednesday he didn’t come home and we were so worried. When he fell he was so shaken up he couldn’t even remember his address.”
Mr Prinja was taken to Loughborough Urgent Care centre, where he was X-rayed and told his knee was severely broken. He was later transported to the infirmary, where he remains.
His daughter added: “My dad’s lived in Loughborough since 1962. He knows the town inside out and he has never broken a bone in his body.
“The fact the council have made such a mess of that area to me is shocking and the situation has added stress for us as a family.
“We’ve never had to do anything like this before. I want answers from them, how are they going to rectify this problem? Able people and disabled people have all fallen over.
“The council have put up barriers since the it happened, but that isn’t good enough.”
Councillor Mary Draycott, Labour shadow lead for housing, said the road opening had been met by numerous trips and falls by members of the public.
She said the problems caused were by a number of long-standing issues, making the area “dangerous”.
She is also concerned that about the additional costs surrounding the project.
“It is not enough to hear that contributions are coming from other sources, it is still all taxpayers’ money,” she said. “To date I have been told the official cost has increased to £3.869 million.
“I watched the last minute works taking place on Friday, April 29. It was a hectic scene and clear the area was not safe, even when the work stopped.
“Social media all afternoon had been buzzing about trips and falls.”
DAUGHTER SPEAKS OUT AS PENSIONER TAKES A NASTY TUMBLE OVER ‘INVISIBLE’ KERB