Disgrace under our feet

THREE people in just 20 minutes falling over on an uneven footpath in Lismore is just not good enough, locals say.

ROUGH DEAL: An uneven section of footpath on Keen St in Lismore. Picture: Marc Stapelberg

THREE people in just 20 minutes falling over on an uneven footpath in Lismore is just not good enough, locals say.

Members of the public have said on The Northern Star's Facebook page that they are concerned about the uneven pavement along Keen St in the stretch between Lismore Central and Goanna Bakery and Cafe.

Tim Middleton, of McLeans Ridges, said he watched on the weekend as two children and an elderly woman tripped and fell on bumps and ridges in the walkway.

The three incidents happened within 20 minutes.

Mr Middleton said action was needed.

The biggest problem you've got in Keen Street (is that) council's done a lot of work, but when it comes up to this side of Keen Street, they've kind of wiped their hands of it

He said attention from Lismore City Council and the public was often on fixing roads, which were important, but so were walkways.

A Keen St business owner, who did not want to be named, said he agreed.

He said the council had spent much time and effort on restoring other parts of the CBD, and wanted the same for his stretch of Keen St.

"The biggest problem you've got in Keen Street (is that) council's done a lot of work, but when it comes up to this side of Keen Street, they've kind of wiped their hands of it," he said.

He said from the Magellan and Keen St roundabout, Keen St changed, looking different from the rest of the CBD.

There was no seating, minimal rubbish bins, and an uneven walkway, he said.

"Up town they've got more benefits than we do," he said.

"Council's really spent a lot of money in the central (area) but not up here."

Post by The Northern Star.

However, when issues were raised at local business meetings, no one wanted to hear about it, he said.

"(Lismore City Council) just wants to hear the positive; they don't want to hear the negative," he said.

Readers on The Northern Star's Facebook page suggest five other footpaths that need urgent attention.

A council representative said this section of footpath was not raised as an issue in the council's annual footpath inspections.

"No trip points or hazards were identified. It is an old asphalt footpath, which council may look at upgrading in the future, subject to funding," they said.