Safety concern- pavement access

Hi, I am writing to raise a safety concern regarding the pavement access to Hobbledown Heath.

Currently, only one side of the pavement is available for the public to use, and it is very narrow due to limited space. This creates difficulties, especially when people with buggies, children, or groups meet from opposite directions. In many cases, one person or a buggy has to step onto the road to allow others to pass, which is extremely unsafe given the traffic.

The other side of the pavement is completely overgrown with trees and bushes and is not accessible. It is unclear why this side is not being maintained or kept open for public use.

As Hobbledown Heath is a children’s play area with attractions such as animals, it naturally attracts many families, young children, and vulnerable people, particularly during the summer holidays. The current pavement situation poses a serious safety risk to them.

As a possible improvement, it may help to introduce additional safety measures such as a zebra crossing, pedestrian traffic lights, or a central crossing island (pedestrian refuge) so people can safely cross in stages. These changes, along with clearing the overgrown pavement, would make the area much safer for the public.

I kindly request that this issue is reviewed urgently, and that appropriate action is taken to improve pedestrian safety.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.