Essex County Council must fix our broken pavements

Our footpaths are in a shocking state.

Chelmsford residents have been seriously injured after tripping on cracked pavements across the city. Some have had to go to A&E to fix broken bones. Some have even required hospitalisation, further operations and subsequent visits to their GP. Some of those less badly injured have had to take time off work while they recover.

This all causes distress to residents AND is very costly. An ambulance trip to A&E was £367 in 2020/21, and A&E treatment can cost from £86 to £418. An average GP appointment costs £42.

There is also a cost to the economy (and the taxpayer) caused by days off work as people recover from their injuries.

We need broken pavements fixed now, so that all residents are safe walking in our city and to prevent the hidden costs of injuries caused by pavement neglect.