Problem kerb is set to be moved - The Malvern Observer

Problem kerb is set to be moved

Malvern Editorial 16th Apr, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

AN ‘INCORRECTLY placed’ dropped kerb looks set to be resolved after highways bosses responded to residents’ calls.

As The Observer reported last month, former town councillor Martin Lawrence had lobbied Worcestershire County Council to reposition the already lowered kerb on Belle Vue Terrace as it was not in line with the disabled bay on the Great Malvern Road.

The current drop is at the front of the parking spot, but fears were raised as the hydraulic ramp on any disabled vehicle is at the back, meaning access to the kerb is still a problem.

And council bosses have decided to drop the kerb at the required end of the bay, with about £1,000 being used from the highways improvement fund to complete the work.




Coun Ian Hopwood, county councillor for Malvern Langland, previously used £1,000 from his divisional fund to install the first drop.

Mr Lawrence said: “Disability that requires a motorised wheelchair imposes such heavy burdens already, without additional barriers and hurdles to residual limited freedoms.


“Holders of public office and paid staff should constantly strive to act in terms of the public interest, stridently seeking to ensure infrastructure equality to both able bodied and those less able to cope with obstacles.

“I am pleased to note paid staff have now recognised the need to think again about the dropped kerb issue and I take the opportunity to sincerely thank the Malvern Observer and the stepfather of a young man who struggled with this to amplify the issues here.”

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council added: “After consulting Coun Hopwood we installed the dropped kerb at the front of the disabled parking bay, which is at the end of several parking spaces in Belle Vue Terrace.

“This enables drivers to use hydraulic equipment at the back of their vehicles without potentially being impeded by other vehicles parking too close in the adjoining bay, provided they drive in from the opposite direction and park against the traffic flow.

“However, following further local representations we have also agreed to install a dropped kerb at the back of the bay as well, so all permutations will be covered.”

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