Appeal from residents to assist people with mobility problems has been listened to

Measures could be introduced to prevent wheelchair users and people with mobility problems being forced into a busy Sidmouth road.

Highways boss Stuart Hughes this week responded to an appeal from residents calling for a dropped kerb to be installed in the Station Road pavement to make it accessible for disabled pedestrians and pushchairs.

He agreed the measure would improve the quality of life for many in the town and confirmed he is currently investigating the cost of its implementation.

Abbeyfield Court resident Marjorie Hodnett raised awareness of the issue after witnessing the problems encountered by people struggling to get on to the raised pavement adjacent to the croquet lawn.

She said: “I have watched people having to walk in the busy road in order to find a lower kerb. Many of us at Abbeyfield Court witness this and are also affected by it.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes said: “I’m already looking into this and seeing how much it would cost to provide this dropped kerb as I’m sure there are many local residents and visitors to Sidmouth whose quality of life would be improved by a dropped kerb at this location.

“Depending on there being no services that would need to be moved, I may be in the position of using some of my Investing in Devon funding to carry out the scheme.”

Alan Darrant, chairman of Abbeyfield Court house committee, said: “A lowered kerb would certainly be a benefit for residents of Abbeyfield Court, but also many other people - including young parents with pushchairs. There is a car park and bus terminal very near by, so quite heavy traffic.”