Hatfield gran fractures elbow after falling on broken paving
A GRANDMOTHER who fractured her elbow falling on a broken paving slab has warned a council to repair the damage or face numerous complaints about future injuries.
Debbie Thompson also badly hurt her knee after tripping over tree roots that had ripped through the pavement in Woods Avenue, Hatfield.
The 50-year-old, of Linnet Walk in Hatfield, is angry at Hertfordshire Highways for letting the paving get so bad in the first place.
She told the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “I couldn’t believe it, I just went flying.
“My knee was bleeding and I thought I was going to pass out because of the pain.”
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The mum-of-two was taken to the QE2 Hospital in WGC where she was diagnosed with a fractured right elbow and an injured left knee.
Ms Thompson, who is appalled with the state of the paving, which is on a school route, added: “These tree roots are so high.
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“It’s like an obstacle course.
“When it snows it will be even worse because people will not be able to see the roots and there will definitely be far more injuries.”
She continued: “There is a bad accident waiting to happen so hopefully the council will get something done.”
The incident occurred as Ms Thompson was walking back from the town’s swimming baths, on October 16, with her only grandson Jaiden, eight, and his fellow Oak View Primary School classmates and teachers after a lesson.
A Herts Highways spokeswoman said the avenue would get “substantial repairs”.
She said: “We are always concerned to hear about such incidents and wish the lady involved a speedy recovery.
“The issue in this particular area is that tree roots have pushed through the pavement at a height of four to six inches.
“We have made temporary repairs in the past and more substantial repairs are planned in the next couple of months. This will involve constructing ramps either side of the roots.”
To report any highway faults call Herts Highways on 0300 123 4047.
