BackIcy pavements: take action
Over the past couple of weeks of icy weather, Living Streets has been calling on local councils to make sure pavements are gritted so that everyone can walk around their neighbourhoods with confidence.
We know that as the icy conditions continue, many people are reporting that their council is failing to grit pavements and that they have concerns about getting out and about.
Tell us your stories
We’re very keen to hear from you about the conditions in your area- is your council coping well and making sure the pavements are safe, or are your pavements going untreated? Do you feel frightened to leave home because of the icy conditions? How are you and your neighbours coping with the conditions? Contact us: info@livingstreets.org.uk or on twitter @livingstreets
Take action
If you do have concerns about your council not doing enough and you want to take action, we’ve posted a template letter below for you to send to your local Councillor. You can find your local Councillor’s details here: http://www.writetothem.com/
At Living Streets we aim to provide a strong voice for pedestrians across the UK, and we rely on the support of individuals who want safe attractive and enjoyable streets where they live - if you’d like to know more or become a supporter, please go to http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/support-us
TEMPLATE LETTER FOR YOUR COUNCILLOR
Dear Councillor
Icy Pavements
During this current cold weather in INSERT LOCAL COUNCIL NAME I am increasingly concerned that pedestrians are being put at risk by the council’s failure to grit pavements adequately. Vulnerable pedestrians, particularly older people, can be prevented entirely from venturing outside if the pavements are too hazardous to be used.
INSERT LOCAL COUNCIL NAME should be prioritising regular gritting of pavements to protect everyone in the community, and should also empower residents by providing and replenishing grit bins throughout our neighbourhoods. Our safety must be a high priority for the council, and I would urge you to take up these concerns as a matter of urgency, to avoid problems in future cold weather periods.
I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.
Yours
[Your name]
Published on: 04/01/2010
