Pedestrians forced into busy road after 'suicidal' New Haw pavement obstruction
A new wall along with an existing postbox and bin outside the former New Haw News shop in Woodham Lane meant the footpath was blocked to pedestrians
Pedestrians were left scratching their heads in disbelief when a newly created pavement was blocked by a bin and a postbox, forcing them out into the road.
A new wall constructed outside the former New Haw News shop in Woodham Lane, created a small footpath running alongside the road.
However, the pavement is also home to a litter bin and postbox, which now sit in the centre of the footpath, blocking those who want to pass by – although the bin has since been removed.
People in wheelchairs, mobility scooters and with prams have no way through - and are being forced out into the busy road junction – a situation described as ‘suicidal’ by one resident.
Appalled Jacqueline Clawson, who uses a mobility scooter, said: “They have put up a brick wall that has taken up the whole of the pavement and now there is a postbox right in the middle of the pavement.
"I have a mobility scooter and it’s the only way I can get around. It’s mayhem. For older people to have to swing out in the road, it’s suicidal.
"Something needs to be done about it. You wouldn’t stand a chance. People are risking their lives. Because of the mini roundabout, traffic is coming three ways.”
Bin and postbox on Woodham Lane, New Haw
Planning permission was given to build the wall by Runnymede Borough Council last year, when the owner applied to remove the shop front and put in new windows, as well as build a one metre high wall out the front.
The former shop is being changed into first floor residential flat accommodation for the owner’s daughter, and the application cites the recent opening of Morrison’s Local opposite for trade ‘falling away sharply’.
No mention is made to the potential pavement blockage in planning application paperwork online, which shows that the Surrey Highways department were ‘satisfied that the application would not have a material impact on the safety and operation of the adjoining public highway’.
However, a Runnymede Borough Council spokesperson said the issue of potential restrictions to highway land were ‘raised and discussed with the highways authority during the consideration of the planning application’.
Pedestrians have said the pavement obstruction is 'suicidal'
He added: “The county council requested, and were provided with, confirmation that the land to be enclosed by the new boundary wall was in the private ownership of the applicant.
“As part of these discussions the county council noted that the location of some of the street furniture, which would obviously include the postbox and litter bin, would need to be dealt with.
“As is the case for all structures within the public highway and pavements, it is for the Highways Authority to manage their land to ensure no obstruction occurs.
"The highway authority made no objection to the application and made no requirements of the applicant.
Assurances were given that the highway authority would deal with the matter in line with their duties and obligations.
"Following this recent concern being raised by a resident the county council has been informed and the borough council hopes they will give the matter immediate attention.”
On Tuesday (August 25), a spokesman from Surrey County Council said the bin had been removed after a member of the highways team visited the site and added they were ‘in discussions with Royal Mail regarding the issue of the post box’.