A campaigner has dubbed an Ardleigh Green street “the forgotten zone” and claims Havering Council is taking too long to carry out footpath repairs.

Ray Coomer, of Ardleigh Green and Emerson Park Residents’ Association, says he sprained his ankle on a pothole in Birch Crescent, which is one of many on the footpath.

He says they are caused by cars stopping on the kerbs due to a lack of parking spaces in the area.

“I know this road is badly damaged and I still hurt myself,” he said, “but if it can happen to me then it can happen to anyone. I have asked the council to make repairs for at least five years.”

The council wrote to Mr Coomer saying the hole in which he tripped does not constitute a dangerous tripping hazard as it does not meet criteria of being more than 25mm in height.

‘Resources’

It added: “At the present time we only have the resources to repair category one defects.

“[The council] will continue to monitor Birch Crescent on its regular six monthly inspection when any defects which meet our repair criteria will be repaired.”

Council leader Cllr Michael White said: “Following requests from a resident we have visited Birch Crescent and checked the road and pavements.

“Potholes that needed attention have been repaired.

“We regularly check all our roads and aim to make potholes that require immediate attention safe within 24 hours.

“We will look at the issues on Birch Crescent to see if parking restrictions could help, but we cannot introduce restrictions overnight, so would ask residents and visitors to park considerately.”