Marking failing footpaths with yellow paint is no substitute for actually fixing them, says Bathurst Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association president John Hollis.
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Mr Hollis is calling on Bathurst Regional Council to prepare a comprehensive plan detailing how it plans to tackle the problem of cracked and broken footpaths across the city.
He put the issue to council during public question time at Wednesday night’s monthly meeting but came away dissatisfied with the response.
Mr Hollis was told council had set aside $100,000 for footpath repairs in the 2017-18 budget but he later told the Western Advocate that setting money aside was not enough.
“I think they need to have a proper management plan in place that details what they’re going to do and when,” he said.
“Council has done a very good job of carrying out a survey to identify hazard areas but as a follow-up you would expect to have a plan to immediately do some of the critical areas, particularly around the CBD, and then a plan of action to do the rest of the CBD and the suburbs.”
Mr Hollis said he had taken the matter to council after broken footpaths were discussed by CPSA members at a recent meeting.
Hundreds of trip hazards awaiting repair have been marked with yellow spray paint on CBD footpaths in George, Howick, Keppel and William streets.
Mr Hollis said the cracks were particularly dangerous for elderly residents and parents pushing prams.
“I know of one woman who tripped on a hatch cover while crossing Howick Street between Stockland and the Bathurst City Centre and she fell and sprained her ankle,” he said.
