A Birmingham grandfather has been left bewildered and concerned for his family's safety after council officials rejected his plea for a pavement on what he describes as a "dangerous" stretch of road.
John, a 72-year-old resident, has been campaigning for basic pedestrian infrastructure outside his home where his disabled wife and young grandchildren are forced to navigate a treacherous 100-meter section without any footpath protection.
'An accident waiting to happen'
"It's an accident waiting to happen," John told local reporters. "My wife uses a mobility scooter and we have young grandchildren visiting regularly. Every time they walk that stretch, my heart is in my mouth watching cars speed past just inches away."
The concerned grandfather explained that the lack of pavement forces vulnerable pedestrians to share the road with traffic, creating what he calls a "nightmare scenario" for elderly residents and children alike.
Council's baffling response
Despite the obvious safety concerns, Birmingham City Council has repeatedly refused to install the much-needed pavement. In a response that has left the family frustrated, council officials claimed the road "does not meet the criteria" for pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
"I simply don't understand their reasoning," John expressed. "We're not asking for anything extravagant - just a basic pavement that would protect people walking along this busy route. How can they justify leaving residents in danger like this?"
Growing safety concerns
The situation highlights broader concerns about pedestrian safety and accessibility in urban areas. Local residents have reported multiple near-misses on the stretch of road, with vehicles often travelling at speeds that make the lack of pavement particularly hazardous.
"When it's dark or rainy, it becomes even more dangerous," John added. "We've had several close calls where cars have come far too close to people walking. It's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt."
The family has vowed to continue their campaign, determined to make council officials understand the very real risks faced by pedestrians in their neighbourhood every single day.
