RESIDENTS of Jersey Close in Church Hill can now walk around the area a little easier thanks to the joint efforts of borough councillor Mike Rouse and county councillor Tom Baker-Price.
The Conservative councillors worked together to find a solution after a local resident slipped on the moss earlier in the year, breaking his ankle.
“The gentleman is making a good recovery, but this fall really affected him and his family,” said Coun Rouse.
“When he got in touch I immediately set to campaigning on the issue before the local elections in May.”
That included calling in a local party task force team that included local MP Rachel Maclean.
“I said I would get something done about this but I needed my colleague Tom Baker-Price to help as he is the county councillor and pavements come under the county.”
Coun Baker-Price said: “When Mike came to me with this issue I was keen to help.
“I asked county officers to inspect the pavements given the circumstances and see what the underlying surface was like.
“Once they got through the thick moss they found the overall surface was poor and needed replacing.
“I’m pleased to report this work was finished on schedule and the new pavements are ready to be used and are now much safer.”
Church Hill resident Kay Roulston welcomed the new surfaces, saying: “I use to avoid this area as it was so slippy and dangerous, but now I can walk there again.”
Mrs Maclean said: “This just goes to show what can be done when politicians and partners work together in the best interests of their residents.
“Having seen the problem with the moss first hand and having tried to get some up myself, I knew just how bad it was in this particular area.”
