Pensioner with Parkinson's disease complains about new design in South Street, Deal

by Victoria Chessum

May 30, 2016

A man who suffers from Parkinson’s disease has criticised the new layout in South Street, Deal, branding it “a waste of money”.

Tony Friend, 74, of Park Road, has complained that the height of the kerb is not suitable for elderly people or those unsteady on their feet.

Kent County Council allocated £200,000 for improvements for South Street through the Local Growth Fund from central government after extensive public consultation earlier this year.

Work in the wide road has included a taxi rank and an island in the middle for buses to collect passengers.

Mr Friend said: “It would have been nice if the pavement was flat so now I have to walk like Long John Silver to get up there.

“It is a waste of money. People with disabilities have to go off the curb when they come out of the precinct, cross the road, then they get to another high point.”

Mr Friend, a former civil engineer for 22 years, said “there is no such thing as no” in the trade and has highlighted that parts of the pavement are flat where vehicle access is permitted.

He suggested that the path should be flattened to accommodate all pedestrians.

Cllr Elliott said: “We decided to get Kent County Council down as something had to be done.

“Buses were stopping in the middle of South Street with cars flying up and down either side.

“All I know is that a lot of people have said it looks better and it is safer.

'All I know is that a lot of people have said it looks better and it is safer.' - Cllr Wayne Elliott

“Whether everyone is happy with it, I don’t know.”

Three flowering cherry trees and five planters have featured in the redesign.

The Joint Transport Board at Dover District Council approved the plans, but Deal Town Council got the ball rolling.

Kent County Council (KCC) said work included widening the pavements to improve pedestrian accessibility and the general street scene.

Another part of the amendments to the street include adding “bus infrastructure”.

A statement from KCC said: “The footways are being widened to improve pedestrian accessibility on South Street while also improving the street-scene.

“We will also be installing bus infrastructure as part of the works to improve bus manoeuvres and passenger waiting areas on South Street.”

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/pedestrian-complains-of-street-design-96541/