Uneven path causes absolute nightmare for pensioner

Mabel Black, 73, tripped on the ‘uneven’ path near Kilmoyle School in May on her way to vote in the General Elections.

Suffering severe injury to her shoulder and arm, Mabel also hurt her knee which could require medical treatment every other day for three months.

Speaking to the Times, Mabel of Meadowbrook explained: “It was Thursday, May 6 and I got in my car and went to Kilmoyle School to vote.

“I parked my car in front of the school at the layby and stepped out. I remember thinking ‘watch that uneven path Mabel’. However before I knew it I was on the floor. I lay there yelling and screaming - it took three men to get me up.

“As you can imagine I never got to vote but was taken to hospital. I was in great shock and thought I’d broken my shoulder, it was that painful. However it wasn’t broken but I’ve since been diagnosed with a massive hematoma in the top of my arm which is being lazered. My knee is also causing me great problems.

“Two months on and the injury has now turned into a ulcer and the nurse has to call every other day to dress it. I’ve recently had the scab scrapped off and now have to wear 50 support stockings to help the healing process. It could be another three months before it’s better. The whole thing has been an absolute nightmare.”

Concerned about others falling due to the pathway, Mabel contacted the Roads Service to alert them to the issue.

She continued: “I called the Roads Service but they say the path is ‘tolerable’. The uneven gap has to be over a three quarters of an inch and this isn’t. They also said that my complaint was the first, however I’m sure others, especially school children, have fallen there but have just picked themselves up and moved on.

“I’m never really in that area apart from to vote however I just think the path is dangerous and something should be done before someone else comes a cropper.”

In response a DRD Roads Service spokesperson added: "Inspections and repairs of footways like this are carried out in line with Roads Service Policy & Procedure guidance and were fully met at this locus.

“On hearing of Mrs Black's unfortunate accident Roads Service immediately assessed the site and confirmed that, whilst a slight imperfection in the surface was noted, it is well below the tolerance level actionable for repair."