Penarth pavements inaccessible due to tree roots chaos

Kevin Downs, who was pushing his mother Margaret Downs in a wheelchair down Stanwell Road said:

“We have had to have six different tires changed. The pavement means the wheelchair goes sideways and the tires are pulled off.  

“They used to come off all the time and the guy who fixed them told me not to tell my mum that he had to fit ones for up to 25 stone stop them coming off."

Eileen Langley stood next the bus stop on Stanwell Road (Image: Newsquest)

Eileen Langley, 79, born in Cogan Penarth has the bus to get to the parts of Penarth with asphalt, but wished she hadn’t that day with the schools’ children back on the buses. 

“It is the worst place in the world to walk isn’t it. The pavements are terrible. Everybody in Penarth has to walk while looking down at the pavement. 

“I’ve lived in Llandock Penarth for nearly 60 years, but now I’m older I notice the difference.” 

A tree on Plymouth Road taking up most of the pavement (Image: Newsquest)

The trees are problem across Penarth, but in particular on Bridgeman Road, Marine Road and Plymouth Road, said Rod Thomas.

“The pavement on Bridgeman Road going down from the Marie Curie Hospice to the sea front is like an assault course. 

“Most of the streets have got handing down trees which haven’t been maintained. I don’t like trees being cut down, but you must maintain them," he added. 

Graham Goddard outside the SPAR on Stanwell Road (Image: Newsquest)

Graham Goddard, 77, was outside the SPAR on Stanwell Road in his impressive mobility scooter.  

“I have trouble because I can go on the road, but a lot of people have trouble with it and drop curves.  

“I’m lucky I have this scooter, but when you have got a lady in a wheelchair it is much more difficult.” 

A tree on Stanwell Road making the pavement uneven (Image: Newsquest)

Elizabeth Treasure, 66, said: “I love the trees, but if we had more cycle lanes it might help. I do not know what the answer is. I wonder if we need to think about the trees and the drop curves there are around.” 

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: “Any concerns with low hanging branches, damage caused to pavement areas, or any other unusual growth can be reported to the Council via its call centre. This will then be investigated. 

“We will take action if there is a valid safety concern, but we are also aware of how important trees are to sections of the Penarth community, so they are only felled or pruned if absolutely necessary.”