DISABILITY PROTEST OVER DANGEROUS PATH

24th May 2005

The closure of Woodlands Road is causing further controversy-
Local people with disabilities are to address Councillors at this Wednesday’s
Township Meeting.

They are to point out that the Council approved “Walking Diversion” beside the
Bowling Green, is blocked with a 3 metre fence. The only other direct way between
Spotland and Shawclough cannot be used by people with disabilities.

Al Somerville of Beaufort Street says that the top fine gravel surface has washed
away over the past decade. All that remains are large loose stones that make the
path hazardous for walkers and impossible for most wheelchair users.

Mr Somerville is asking for the land owner to make emergency repairs to the
footpath so that it is safe for everybody:

“When Turners were allowed to close the old Hollows Road off and create this
path, they had a legal duty to keep it maintained. This is now the responsibility
of the new landowners.

“Although we are asserting our rights under the Disability Discrimination Act, this
is not just a disability issue. How can people with prams use this path? If the path
remains in this hazardous condition, I foresee people could be injured- Rochdale
Council may have to issue more Blue Badges”.

Here is the question submitted to Rochdale Township that is to be put to Councillors
at this Wednesday’s meeting:

Al Somerville, Spotland:
“I am registered disabled. Whilst I have no objection with closing Woodlands Rd
for a short period on the strict grounds of protecting public health, I have discovered
serious problems with the Walking Diversion posted on the Emergency Closure Notice:

The map instructs me to go up the well maintained tarmac road up to the Bowling
Green and then right onto Hollows Lane.

Unfortunately there is a 3 metre steel fence blocking my path.
This route was diverted following an RMBC Public Inquiry about 10 years ago.
The alternative route that was created at that time (behind the bowling green) has
not been maintained.

I believe that this path cannot be used by disabled people in its current state and
as such may be a breach of the Disability Discrimination Act.

What powers do the Council have to ensure that this Walking Diversion footway
can be used by all, safely?”

Photographs: (copyright-free and may be reproduced)

1. John Tyndall of Brotherhood Hall Road cannot use the path behind the
bowling green.

2. Al Somerville and Ken Hicks of Beaufort Street with John Tyndall (centre)
registered disabled people who cannot use the only diversion path to Shawclough
because of its poor state.

Scanned images:
3. Emergency notice map indicating Diversionary Walking route that cannot be used.

4. 1995 map showing re-routed footpath that is now unusable by many people.

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STATEMENT ENDS.

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