Ryedale | Archive | 2003 | July | 2
From the Gazette & Herald, first published Wednesday 2nd Jul 2003.
WAR has been declared on the state of footpaths in Malton and Norton by one of the new members of Ryedale District Council.
Vegetation, in some cases a metre high, growing in wall sides, crumbling and unswept footways are an eyesore and a safety hazard to pedestrians, says Coun Howard Keal.
Now, North Yorkshire County Council's highways department is being asked to fill potholes and improve the appearance of the footpaths.
"In their present state they are a hazard. Some potholes are so deep they have become dustbowls in dry weather and fill with water and ice-over in winter," he said.
Weeds in several town centre wallsides are spoiling the environment and give a poor image to tourists and shoppers, said Coun Keal.
County Coun David Lloyd-Williams agreed that action is needed on the footpaths.
He has written to Ryedale's chief executive, Harold Mosley, saying: "There seems to be a growing proliferation of weeds growing out of cracks in the streets and footpaths that never seem to be removed. In a culture of trying to improve the appearance of the towns, nothing does more to turn visitors away than streets looking uncared for.
"What is needed is a proper removal of the weeds and better sweeping. The litter picking regime has been successful and should continue.
"Can I ask, however, for a better overall street management approach before we make our community appear totally devoid of care. It should not be for others to do what is already paid for."
Updated: 10:14 Wednesday, July 02, 2003
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