HAMPSHIRE County Council came under fire this week for the Òappalling stateÓ of AltonÕs pavements and roads.
The criticism was sparked by a number of recent incidents involving people - mainly the very young or elderly, tripping over uneven pathing slabs, one even toppling into the road.
Members of AltonÕs promotion and marketing forum were adamant. ÒEnough is enough,Ó said commercial property agent,Chris Glanfield, who felt the county should be made to Òre-lay every paving slab in the town and get it rightÓ.
Deputy mayor John Smith pointed out that once county officers had received a specific complaint they were obliged to do something about it within three days or they could be liable for damages.
Town mayor David Willoughby urged anyone who trips on the pavement to contact town hall staff so that a log could be kept of specific Òblack spotsÓ.
There was fierce criticism of what was described as a Òcheap- jackÓ enhancement scheme which had resulted in uneven town centre pavements and roads which were falling apart.
Referring to the road surface as Òsub standardÓ, members argued that it was no good bringing tourists into the town if they were going to fall Òflat on their facesÓ.
Chairman Allan Chick also drew attention to manhole covers which were left sitting below the road surface.
Assistant town clerk Greg Burt was primed to write to Hampshire County Council on the matter.
Local residents will have the opportunity at AltonÕs annual town meeting on Thursday, May 23, to quiz area surveyor Colin Taylor on the state of AltonÕs roads and pavements. The meeting will start at 6 pm in the town hall.