Sinn Fein councillor Patricia Logue
SINN Féin Councillor Patricia Logue has said residents in the Bogside are aghast money has been set aside for injury claims but not pumped into what many would see as prevention measures.
She was speaking after residents called for the installation of dropped kerb to make easy wheelchair and pedestrian access.
Sinn Féin Councillor Patricia Logue said: “Residents have been in contact with me calling for drop kerbs to be installed to make access to their homes and end of footpaths easier particularly for wheelchair access.
“This is a very settled community and has a high older population and we need to be doing everything we can to make it better area to live in.
“I did an onsite meeting in the Bogside with Transport NI employees looking to get dropped kerbs for the Father Mulvey Park, Eglington Place, Lisfannon Park and Blucher Street areas.
“Sadly I was informed whilst it was agreed that there is a need for dropped kerbs and this location has now been added to the list that there is a year’s waiting list and it normally just three months for the process.
“The Minister has cut the budget for dropped kerbs, sign posting and filling in potholes if they are not a certain depth but ironically has kept budget for compensation.
“Residents I have spoken to are aghast money has been set aside for injury claims but not pumped into what many would see as prevention measures.
“I will be writing to Disability Action about this as a matter of urgency. It’s disgraceful that people with disabilities are being treated in this way.”
