'DISAPPOINTED' disabled residents risk falls and injuries after the council 'refused' to paint markings on the road near a dropped kerb says a city councillor.

The steep kerbs at Potters Close in Worcester have been branded a fall hazard while residents keep parking across the dropped kerb which is the safest place to descend.

Residents say the result is vulnerable people in wheelchairs or with walking frames or mobility scooters or other aids struggle to negotiate the hazard. It is also said to be an issue for parents with pushchairs and the binmen.

Worcester News: RISKS: Hazel and Eddie Gilbert near the steep kerb at Potters Close near Saddlers Walk in Worcester RISKS: Hazel and Eddie Gilbert near the steep kerb at Potters Close near Saddlers Walk in Worcester (Image: Supplied)

Cllr Jill Desayrah, who represents Warndon on Worcester City Council, has been campaigning for improvements that would keep the parking spaces but stop the dropped kerb from being blocked.

She said: “With no road markings to help them, people using the car park at Potters Close most likely don’t realise when their parking impedes access for others.

"All that was requested was to have some lines painted onto the road, to help keep a small space clear without losing parking places.

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But this was refused by County Council Highways, citing lack of funds. Many of the local residents affected are extremely disappointed.

"People with mobility scooters and walking frames continue to risk falls and injuries. We all know that money is tight all around in public services, but this is surely worth the price. It’s simply not good enough to ignore the issue and I ask the highways department to please reconsider their decision.”

The dropped kerb - technically a footway crossing - is often blocked by parked cars, making it very difficult for disabled people, parents with pushchairs and even binmen to get down. The path has already been resurfaced and trees removed by Citizen Housing to reduce the risk of people falling (tree roots had made the path uneven).

Eddie Gilbert saw a binman drop a wheelie bin, spilling all the contents, as he tried to heave it over an eight-inch kerb as the dropped kerb was blocked.

The 76-year-old is concerned his wife Hazel, who suffers from arthritis and uses a walker, will trip trying to get off the steep kerb.

Cllr Desayrah suggested yellow cross-hatching would encourage drivers to leave the space clear and not park entirely over it, as currently often happens.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We are liaising with the County Councillor regarding this matter. It would be helpful to inform our discussions if residents could raise their concerns directly via Report it so that we can gain a better understanding of the issues.”