Cllr Chris Bray, of Abbey Close, Teignmouth, writes:
Reference the article in last week's Teignmouth Post regarding the poor state of the pavement in Wellington Street, I would like to reassure residents that Devon County Councilx are very much aware of the problem and have taken action to deal with it.
The matter was brought to my attention by a woman who was naturally concerned that the broken pavements represented a trip hazard. I contacted the local highways department and they informed me that this was an on-going issue.
At my request, the owner and lessees of the pavement, the developer and the leaseholding shops – not DCC – have again been contacted and I understand that they have agreed to replace the broken slabs and, to stop the problem reoccurring, have indicated that they will look into the possibility of putting in bollards – so stopping vans driving up on to this private area and possibly breaking the slabs.
I must emphasise that this area is not highway, maintained at public expense, and is, therefore, not the responsibility of DCC.
I must say I have little sympathy for those van drivers who park on the pavement, as only metres away, outside Boots and in Den Road, there are designated loading bays. Van drivers should use those and leave pavements to the pedestrians.