Dropped kerbs being installed across Lancaster district will make a real difference
Long-awaited dropped kerbs are now being installed across the district following a campaign by County Councillor Paul Stubbins and a local resident.
The first of these has been completed at Aalborg Place in Lancaster, where the resident who prompted the campaign, John Slee, lives.
John has welcomed the improvement, saying he is delighted with the enhanced accessibility — not only for himself, but for the many others who will benefit.
County Councillor Paul Stubbins said: “People have been struggling with completely unsuitable kerbs for far too long – particularly those using electric wheelchairs, who have too often had to put
themselves at risk simply to cross the road. Every dropped kerb we install makes a real and meaningful difference to people’s daily lives.”
The Green Party North Lancashire said the County Council has an obligation under the Highways Act 1980 and the Equality Act 2010 to ensure safe and accessible routes for all residents, including wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, and parents with prams.
This funding will enable Lancashire County Council to complete previously agreed dropped kerb and mobility access schemes, making every day journeys safer and easier for residents across the county.
Councillor Stubbins has submitted further requests for accessible crossings across the district, with additional installations expected in the coming months.
Matt Townsend, director of Highways and Transport, said: "We deliver dropped kerb and mobility crossing improvements through an existing highways maintenance budget, with schemes planned and delivered by our maintenance teams across the county.
"Requests are assessed on a priority basis, taking into account safety, accessibility need and available funding. Work is continuing across Lancashire to improve accessibility and support safer journeys for residents."