Chesterfield Online Forum
General Category => Chesterfield Discussion => Topic started by: Fly on July 10, 2014, 07:24:55 PM
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Sounds like a film title, sadly it isn't. It's fact.
Yet again the curbs take out another pensioner, thankfully not fatally.
Was stood on the rank talking to Our_Lass. I was aware of an elderly couple crossing the road, next thing there's this awful sounding grunt come thud followed by a low resounding moan of pain :'(
The old guys laid on the floor face down. I ran to him and immediately realised he needed a paramedic and probably an ambulance, he'd tripped, hit his head on the curb and his nose on the floor.
So basically I'm on the phone to 999, Our_Lass is on tissue and towel duty, blood everywhere, a passing off duty fireman and someone else is helping the old man to his feet, Ian from Mirage E-Fags is bringing out a chair. Someone else is comforting his wife who's looking a little shakey. We had to sit her down, she really wasn't looking very well.
By the time the ambulance arrived, 'Bob' had come round a bit, but still bleeding and shaken and looking battered and bruised.
One ambulance man started his questions to Bob, are you dizzy, sight headaches etc, the other went to Bob's wife who by now was really looking ill. Good move, she literally fainted and passed out as he got to her.
They radioed for further assistance but none was available, so I helped walk Bob to the ambulance with one of the crew, then wheel out the stretcher back to Bob's wife. While the crew were getting her on the stretcher, I went back to the ambulance to keep Bob company. Our_Lass is removing reams of blood stained tissues and towels from the street and Ian has a brush and water to clear up the blood.
So if anybody knows of a Bob and (Agnes?) Hill? Let me know please. I'd like to find out if they are both OK :(
@Cllr Slack, any chance of you enquiring as to why they altered the curbs and causeway on the taxi rank on Knifesmithgate, we daily see people trip, and they have an adverse affect when loading wheelchairs, the extended causeway makes it more difficult to load them, not easier.
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Trying to think where you mean Fly sorry not good on Chesterfield Street names.
Is it where you normally park up?
I do no the pedestrian zone near Samuals/ Notts building Society isn't too clever for people with sight difficulties.
A couple of years ago my daughter was in town alone and didn't realise there was a slight curb done in the same tiles as the paths, she moved to let a gentleman passed - and over she went!
These days she doesn't go out alone as we have found out she is partially sighted.
However others with a similar condition will have the same problems.
I do hope the elderly couple are both OK bless them - and you and Mags for helping xx
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Much as I sympathise with folks who have disablities, we cannot change all aspects of towns and cities that are a problem - like cobblestones and kerbs.
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The area in question is supposed to be for the benefit of the disabled. It is/isn't.
When I had an altercation a couple of years ago with a wheelchair customer, I still had to pull the cab forward, effectively blocking off the drop curb for other people whilst I tried to load my customer. I also had personal comments thrown at me for being parked there.
The whole thing is a mess and I want it altering !! Hence my asking of Cllr Slacks voice.
It didn't seem correct for me to take photo's after todays events. I will do tomorrow.
Just so people can see the spacing and double curbs etc.
I do hope Bob and his wife are OK >:(
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Much as I sympathise with folks who have disablities, we cannot change all aspects of towns and cities that are a problem - like cobblestones and kerbs.
I would agree to a certain point with that Pete, but the cobblestones need sorting, did they ever finish the filling in between the cobbles to make them safer. I'm not disabled but have tripped over these.
As for the curbs I mentioned, at the very least they could have put in a different colour to highlite the curb albeit small.
We have numerous dropped curbs with the cobbled slabs in front of them to people with sight problems know it's a dropped curb - so what's with the small roll curbs colour co-coordinated with the pavement/road
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I see both your and OC's point here Pete. Let's wait for my photo's tomorrow.
As I see it, the disabled side of it is OK, but wrong, ish.
My argument is that it's a stupid set up. Even non disabled people don't see the curbs, and trip on them.
Before the alterations a few years ago, people either fell down 2 steps, or up 2 steps. Both onto flat floors. Ouch.
Mr Hill tripped on the first curd and fell forward, literaly head butting the second curb.
Believe me, I thought the old fella had cracked his skull, he might have. I don't know !!
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I'll be interested to see the photo's Fly as not too sure what you mean about the loading of w/chair users, but know about the steps?
I don't think we should change the cobbles as some do, but TBH it plays havoc with anyone who uses a wheelchair and suffers with back problems and I am thinking other medical conditions.
My daughter does de-tours to miss them where ever possible, they are part of our town so alternative routes should be provided.
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Well done for helping fly, I know exactly where you mean opposite oxfam where they have extended the pavement out from what used to be two steps up to the original walkway underneath the vic centre.
The raised platform style bus stops aren't any help either although again I can see why they did it, but they raised them all so high that drivers can no longer go over the pavement slightly to get close enough to have any benefit, they literally just wreck the front corners of the buses and passengers end up contending with a gap.
All the buses now lower and also have fold out ramps anyway now, also can't understand why unserved bus stops were 'upgraded' unless it was a funding thing.
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I stay out of the town centre because I sometimes find the cobbles difficult to walk on. I'm not considered disabled but arthritis means I can't always lift my knees easily to cope with varying ground levels. Much of the time I'm OK but now and again I simply can't do it without discomfort or pain so the cobbles are a real hazard. If it's a 'one-up' like a kerb and I'm on a bad day, I force myself to do it but the cobbles - and any other undulating surface - can be a real no-no.
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Part of my moving and handling training is also pushing wheelchairs and being pushed in a wheelchair.
I can tell you it's quite scary being in the hands of a wheelchair pusher!!
You are right in what you say about the cobbles Dave, they play havoc with my daughters back which is why she has found alternative flat paved routes around that area.
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Here you can see a similiar spot to where Bob tripped, the kerb, and what his head hit, stone step.
We've also had people fall off the step onto the causeway, or into taxis, or off the kerb between the taxis.
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s362/chesterfieldonline/Taxi%20Rank/101_0136_zpsd60a74a3.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/chesterfieldonline/media/Taxi%20Rank/101_0136_zpsd60a74a3.jpg.html)
This horrendous causeway runs the entire length of the rank.
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s362/chesterfieldonline/Taxi%20Rank/101_0138_zps0b9b2868.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/chesterfieldonline/media/Taxi%20Rank/101_0138_zps0b9b2868.jpg.html)
As you can see, if they did away with the causeway, it wouldn't affect disability aspects, this could be easily modified to cover the height of the bottom stone step.
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s362/chesterfieldonline/Taxi%20Rank/101_0137_zps4b660d60.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/chesterfieldonline/media/Taxi%20Rank/101_0137_zps4b660d60.jpg.html)
Here's my mate John. This shot shows how difficult it is to get a wheelchair lined up with ramps. The rain gulley and stone step are in the way.
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s362/chesterfieldonline/Taxi%20Rank/101_0139_zps25a1acf6.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/chesterfieldonline/media/Taxi%20Rank/101_0139_zps25a1acf6.jpg.html)
Before this stupid causeway was put in, ramps would reach straight onto the solid floor under the veranda. Not like this.
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s362/chesterfieldonline/Taxi%20Rank/101_0142_zps2996ee53.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/chesterfieldonline/media/Taxi%20Rank/101_0142_zps2996ee53.jpg.html)
Imagine wheeling someone out of a cab backwards, hope the eyes in the back of your head see the step, or you're both over.
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s362/chesterfieldonline/Taxi%20Rank/101_0141_zps8452f636.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/chesterfieldonline/media/Taxi%20Rank/101_0141_zps8452f636.jpg.html)
That's why the last time I attempted to put a wheelchair passenger into a cab, I drove it forwards to the drop kerb for better clearance, and got abuse for blocking the kerb !!
Sorry for the edits. It's kerb not curb LOL
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I don't see why that drop kerb can't be used for pick up drop off ony for wheelchair users, it doesn't take that long to get them in and secure down.
The gulley will be terrible for the wheelchairs with small front wheels.
I don't see why modifying it would be such a big problem - mind you if they take advice from the same body of people as the Market Hall Toilets anything could happen!!!
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I've just emailed Toby Perkins. I gave him a direct link to this thread, told him it was probably easier to do that than explain the problem us taxi drivers are facing. Yes we've coped for a few years now, but hearing Bob fall and having to deal with it has really hit a nerve and set me off on one.
Down side is, I don't live in Chesterfield and political correctness may stop Toby from dealing with my issue.
Perhaps someone who lives in Chezzy would like to email him and reiterate this subject, he then might deal with you direct.
His email address: toby.perkins.mp@parliament.uk
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I can't see why he can't deal with this through yourself as a professional taxi driver Fly.
You will know better than most the dangers and pit falls of this area.
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He isn't my MP. Dennis Skinner is.
As much as I like Toby's quick replies to emails, he's bound by parliamentary rules to pass me onto my own MP.
I know, bit silly as I pay CBC for my taxi badge :-)
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Emailed him Barry will keep you posted if he contacts back.
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Had the auto respond email return from Toby.
Toby Perkins MP
Member of Parliament for Chesterfield
Shadow Minister for Small Business
Thank you for your email. This email has been triggered automatically to confirm that your email has been received and I have not yet had a chance to read your message.
All forms of correspondence are treated equally so please do not be disappointed if you do not receive an immediate response to your email. However, I will aim to respond as quickly as possible.
If you are a constituent then please make sure you have included your full address as Parliamentary convention only allows me to act on behalf of those living within
Chesterfield and Staveley.
I send out occasional bulletins updating constituents on what I am doing as an MP, and will add your name to this list. Please respond to this with ‘unsubscribe’ if you do not wish to receive them.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Best wishes
Toby Perkins MP
See what I mean about me living in Bolsover :(
Edit: Cheers Eabbus
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Oh yes I remember reading that now on my responses.
Good to have another Pro. involved though ;)
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Also find it strange Slacker hasn't replied to me. Hope all's ok mate. Out of character for Andy ?
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Give me chance!
How long ago did it get altered?
I would expect Toby to pass it on to the relevant county councillor (Sharon Blank)
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Speak of the devil - here he is ;)
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Jeez Andy. They altered the pavement about 7-10 year ago.
I posted this thread 2 days ago.
Like I said, this last incident has done it for me.
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Sorry, thought you were implying it was something that had just been done
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Meant to post last night. I'd got things going on.
I got a reply from Toby's office, it has been passed onto Cllr Sharon Blank.
eabbus PM'ed me today about a reply he's received from Tony's office too.
Basically the same reply, but I'm mentioned by name in the reply to eabbus, so at least a human being has replied.
Let's wait and see what Cllr Blank has to say.
I would expect Toby to pass it on to the relevant county councillor (Sharon Blank)
As predicted by Cllr Slack LOL ;)
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Things are moving a little then
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Do you know if the taxi liaison group has ever brought up the issue?
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Yes Andy it has. I spoke to the chairman of the taxi trade today.
Eric Needham, do you know him :))
He told me Toby Perkins would sooner be on Peak FM reading the weather forecast.
He also told me it's got bod all to do with Cllr Blank. He's just passing the buck onto her.
And as regards Trevor Durham, he's just a hermit in a shell doing a job.
But I knew the bit about Trevor already !
He lied to Dennis Skinner on a matter I was in email contact with him on another taxi related issue.
Plus I'm now black listed and blocked from emailing him. AFAIK :(
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The taxi liaison committee is a formal group chaired (I think) by a councillor and its meetings should be minuted
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Make your mind up Andy ;D Group, committee LOL
I thought you meant the taxi chairperson. If it's a council committee surely you should know. You're on the licencing committee.
Eric also mentioned at the last meeting, next to no one turned up, that might be in the minutes too, unless the meeting was abandoned.
As for Cllr Sharon, looks like we've drawn a blank there, not heard anything from her at all.
Did you see what I did there :))
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My sides are splitting !!
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So are people's faces when they trip over this stupid pavement !!
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Firstly, I posted on FB last night and sort of criticised Amanda Sarjent for not getting in touch after my email to Toby Perkins.
That should have been another gripe about Sharon Blank. Sorry Amanda :-[
Just to put this thread up to date, whilst me and Our_Lass were away the other week, the kurbs got another victim, the old dear broke her wrist >:(
Today another elderly lady took a dive, smashed her face into the floor !!
Action Slacker please !!
At least ask someone to reply to me. You know where I am. chesterfieldonline.org2@gmail.com
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If someone has a problem with Chesterfield's roads/pavements where should they make their complaint? Maybe they don't take folk seriously complaining about stuff on Facebook.
TBH, if I was Slacker I wouldn't respond to that sort of complaint. With the number of whiners, wingers and mardarses on Facebook you'd have to go full time to cope with the demand. Just read the Horns Bridge sculpture thread, to warrant that many gripes you'd think it cost a million pounds and was made out of dead citizens.
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I contacted the town's MP Pete. Via email. I think that was the correct way of doing things.
I then posted on here to share with the forum members.
I don't fault Slacker for not replying to the whingers about the tree.
If the Tory's were in power, they would have still taken the grant and built it. End of IMHO ;)
Back on topic: I pulled onto the back of the rank today, saw the small crowd stood round a lady on the floor with the bleeding face, then saw Our_Lass stood there crying :(
She'd seen the lady fall, just for once, someone else was already on the phone for an ambulance.
It's getting beyond a joke ::)
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http://derbyshire.gov.uk/ (http://derbyshire.gov.uk/) has the various means of contact at the bottom of the page but make it clear whether there is a defect to repair or you believe it's a design fault
Some people (especially the elderly) fall over nothing, including my own mother who shattered her elbow about 4 years ago and was hospitalised for 2 weeks
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It is getting increasingly worrying. A lot of people cross there after getting off the Newbold bus, my dial a bus passengers get off on elder way and cross there too. They demand to be independent for as long as they can and I have a few who struggle to step onto the bus as it is. I just wish more people would just take the time to ask 'would you like me to assist you' rather than just walking past them struggling. Its so important to them to get out and manage no matter how many hips and knees they have. Its a nice feeling just to have helped them.
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Hi barry another today an 85 year old man cut his eye open we had him sat in our shp covered in blood .its getting worse
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Hi Mirage, welcome to ChesterfieldOnline. Glad you took the time to sign up.
Pity local Cllr's can't be arsed to look into issues they have been contacted about.
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It's quite simple. Roads are a county council matter and as such you need to contact a DCC councillor. A borough councillor will only get involved if it's something dead easy to fix so that they can take the credit. This involvement naturally increases as you get closer to elections.
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Hi barry another today an 85 year old man cut his eye open we had him sat in our shp covered in blood .its getting worse
Welcome to the forum mirage :)
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@JR, why didn't Perkins tell me that in the first place. I noticed Slacks last reply also mentioned County, so armed with this knowledge now, I'll have a dig around for the relevant person's contact details and try again (y)
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Might sound like a cop-out but regarding highway stuff I try to avoid things withing Chesterfield in case of conflict between my work role and that of a councillor, I wouldn't want to be accused of getting all the roads in Hasland fixed with an election coming up.
However, the other day i got on invite to the same meeting as both (though can't make it)
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You're right it sounds like a cop out especially after the farce of your original election leaflets.
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Snow shifting on highways is DCC, street cleansing is CBC. However as you can't do the latter when it's covered in snow there is now a much better working arrangement in place between the 2 councils to cope with such emergencies
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If someone has a problem with Chesterfield's roads/pavements where should they make their complaint? Maybe they don't take folk seriously complaining about stuff on Facebook.
TBH, if I was Slacker I wouldn't respond to that sort of complaint. With the number of whiners, wingers and mardarses on Facebook you'd have to go full time to cope with the demand. Just read the Horns Bridge sculpture thread, to warrant that many gripes you'd think it cost a million pounds and was made out of dead citizens.
Maybe if our county was buoyant and not under a continual cloud of 'more cut backs' people would have embraced the amount of money the sculpture has cost ( yes I know where it's from ) but that won't stop people feeling resentful.
I looked at again on Saturday - just doesn't do anything for me.
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It's good if there is now a coordinated response to snow shifting. Would never have happened in the past, sending gardeners to clear housing estate paths or 4x4 land rovers to deliver meals on wheels. No well done the modern politician for this wonderful innovation.
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Slacker told me to contact the DCC
So I decided to contact the County Councillor for the town area, guess who it is. Sharon Blank ::)
Toby Perkins apparently passed my comments onto the right person.
Ever got the feeling you're a dog chasing your tail, round, round, round !
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Email sent via her DCC email address.
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Still not heard owt as of sunday so I contacted a department at NEDDCat the weekend to see if they had owt to say.
Got a reply from them telling me to phone DCC as it's a highway issue.
Nips off to find a DCC email address. . .
Oh by the way, another faller today, luckily just shaken up but not injured.
Cup of tea with forum member Mirage and a sit down, she's ok . Cheers mate (y)
Oh ps. Welcome to chesterfieldonline Krazy price :)
Some of the owners and workers of businesses on Knifesmithgate are alongside me on this issue.
If someone doesn't start to look into this issue it looks like the DT will be the next port of call.
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There doesn't appear to be a problem at the crossing place, it doesn't look like a very good place for the ramps of that size on the taxi though (or even location of the taxis). Also seems to be encouraging those who are not steady on their feet to step down into a drainage channel.
Not sure where NEDDC fit into it though
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Had a reply from Sharon Blank.
Hello Barry,
Thanks for the email below & apologies for such a late reply – I’ve had numerous IT problems over the past month, some, but not all, appear to be sorted now & I’m trying to get through a huge backlog of emails.
Toby Perkins’ office forwarded your complaint regarding the Knifesmithgate paving to me some time ago, along with an email from a bus driver who had followed your forum thread & agreed with the comments. I submitted these to be logged onto the Cllrs’ casework system & received a copy of a letter for Toby Perkins that I wasn’t particularly happy with as it only explained the reasoning behind the Knifesmithgate layout. I have asked for more details & stressed the problems again that taxi drivers & passengers (along with pedestrians in general) are experiencing at this location. I am waiting for a response.
As soon as I hear anything further I will let you know.
Sharon
I can't really ask for more at this time. Thank you Sharon :)
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Bumped into her earlier, she said she had replied
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All I'm asking is for someone to look into the situation with the pavement Andy and get back to me.
That's happening now hopefully :)
I think it was a bad move in the first place, it needs reviewing. The idea didn't work IMHO :(
Bit like traffic lights in Hasland ;)
I have noticed an improvement in traffic flow through there recently though (y)
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Its just a shame how many times people have got hurt before a reply.
Hopefully something will get done now.
Hasland is a lot better, I bet residents wish they didn't moan about the original layout now!
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Not sure how wide the original consultation was, this one was certainly thorough with public meetings and a lot of dialogue between the action group and the county council
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Another faller today taken to hospital.
My Inbox has a shortage of emails from Sharon Blank. Pete, she's your friend, Slacker, your political party.
When is someone going to start listening and answering to the people who live or work in this town on basic questions about issues. Pathetic CBC !
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Bump. ::)
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Bump. ::)
Don't tell me you have fallen down the cursed kerbs Fly??
I take it no luck with this issue?
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Our_Lass just told me about another faller today :(
Low and behold, I sat back at my computer and noticed a PM from a name I didn't know ?
Hello, Can you please pass on my sincere thanks to your wife Margaret for her help today when my Mum fell in Chesterfield town centre. She really went above and beyond the call of duty to help us get back home. I rang Celias Cars as I didn't even get Margarets name and asked if she was on Facebook at all so I could contact her but they told me that you were on Facebook and this was the only way I could think of contacting Margaret. My Mum sends her love and thanks her from the bottom of her heart. Please tell Margaret that after a cuppa at home Mum started getting the colour back in her cheeks and apart from a slight bump on the forehead and both knees being bruised, swollen and painful she is absolutely fine.... she's one tough cookie for an 82yr old !!.. anyway, please pass this on to her. I don't know how I would have coped had it not been for Margaret. She is a true star xx ( those kisses are for Margaret lol )
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Well done Our_lass - you're a lucky man Barry.
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Lovely for Margaret to receive some recognition for her kindness. :)
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It's nice to read someone helping out in the time of need. (y) Iv nearly gone flying on the kerb its badly thought out idea and wants removing along with the stupid cobbles' in the Market Place. Its all well and good the council passing the buck but people are getting hurt, perhaps it needs a few injury claims before the council see the error of their ways.
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Disagree. The cobblestones are part of our heritage and should be preserved.
However the stupid kerb on Knifesmithsgate should go.
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My mother fell on the cobbles last week and has a fractured wrist
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Disagree. The cobblestones are part of our heritage and should be preserved.
However the stupid kerb on Knifesmithsgate should go.
Heritage is all well and good but when people are falling down over them and needing hospital treatment its not worth it. The cobbles are really bad when wet, you could keep the historic look by having flat stone slabs like the ones already their.
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Some of the paving slabs I've noticed on Stephensons Place & Cavendish St. are a bit dodgy, i.e. they wobble under your feet.
As for the cobbles circa the Market, surely the H&S brigade aren't required! I'm not unsympathetic to people to have the misfortune to tumble. At my age, a trip we recover from, when your older, we aren't so lucky.
Anyway, the cobbles will probably be worn flat by footfall in the next couple of hundred years :D
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If I visit an historic market town, I'd expect to see cobbles and such.
If I lived there, I'd be aware of them and act accordingly.
A stupid causeway with no apparent reason to me is another matter.
My mum tripped and fell on cobbles at Holmfirth a few years ago. (Last of the summer wine location).
She knew there were cobbles there, can't blame the local council really could she.
Just for the record, Cllr Blank never did get back to me ::)
Hope your mum's Ok Andy :(
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Flat stone slabs will be slippy when wet & icy - same problem.
Maybe people need to modify their footwear accordingly.
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Well done Our_lass - you're a lucky man Barry.
Absolutely - well done!!
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The thing I find strange about the cobble situation is the council a years back removed quite a few of them in the inner market area due to claims. What about people in wheelchairs or have mobility problems the cobbles are less than helpful , in fact it might put many off visiting the town and take their money elsewhere. If the cobbles were so good a feature why were the originals removed in the first place? . Not everyone who visits Chesterfield may be aware of the cobbles so not know what suitable footwear to put, after all they are here to see the town not go hiking!
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Am I wrong or are there flat channels/walkways that criss cross the market square between the cobbles? Built for wheelchairs & mobility scooters I guess.Castigate me if I'm wrong - I'm not sure ?
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I think there are Scimitar.
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Any progress on this?
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Any progress on this?
Page 5 of a year old thread. Nope RW, no progress :(
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crap really.
I love the cobbles in the market it's what makes it authentic.
As for the pavement up near the rank it does need to go altogether, no need for it really make it better to access for the older folk.
Good on the Missus though on helping the ladies mum both of you will go out of your way to help and it does get noticed..
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How lovely for Mags to be thanked - it's so rare for people to bother theses days.
Answer to scimitar - yes there are flat slabs around the market area, daughter follows them when in town as the cobbles are very uncomfortable for her to ride over in her wheelchair.
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Oh look, even DCC park to the side to keep the street clear.
Not like they should be parked there in the first place.
(http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t382/Barry_Fly/WP_20150806_001_zpsszik58ui.jpg) (http://s1057.photobucket.com/user/Barry_Fly/media/WP_20150806_001_zpsszik58ui.jpg.html)
Slacker, just after I took this picture, one of the steel brackets from the, 'now removed sign', fell to the floor and bounced onto the pavment.
Good job there wasn't a small child walking past ::)