AFTER nine months, a Redditch resident is on the cusp of victory in her battle to get a handrail installed on a ‘dangerous’ set of steps.
Margot Bish, from Abbeydale, first contacted Worcestershire County Council about the steps between Sandygate Close and Sheepcroft Close in June of last year.
She was told at the time that the steps were safe.
However campaigning Margot argued that steps with more than three risers outside must have a handrail – which these did not.
She was then told by Worcestershire County Council that the steps belong to Redditch Borough Council.
Margot said: “Myself and the residents went to a PACT meeting in September and spoke to both county and borough councillors who promised to have a look.
“Nothing happened so we chased the borough councillor via e-mail who confirmed it was a county issue. Margot waited several more months and was told once again that it was actually a borough issue.”
Fed up with waiting, Margot attended another PACT meeting and where she was assured the matter was in hand.
She told the Standard said: “We pointed out these are well used steps and incredibly dangerous in icy weather and still nothing had been done.”
When we contacted Worcestershire County Council last week they confirmed the steps were a county issue and will be installing a handrail on the steps ‘in the near future’.
Margot added: “We will be very much relieved when the rail is fitted.
“I do have a bit of a worry in that the council has been promising a rail since June 2023 without action following their words.
“Let us hope this will be a genuine promise this time.”
