Potholes leave pensioner black and blue (From Southend Standard)

Potholes leave pensioner black and blue

in Echo News By Luke Lambert

A BASILDON pensioner has been left black and blue after tripping over one of the borough’s many potholes.

Elenor Petchey, 94, from Felmores, was walking to the bus stop at Felmores End on Thursday, January 10 when she caught her foot in a four-inch hole in the ground before falling.

Mrs Petchey suffered facial injuries and heavy bruising around her neck and face. Luckily a doctor saw her fall and was able to help. her daughter said Essex County Council should be held responsible for not making the repairs more long-lasting.

Denise Howard, 60, from Burgundy Gardens, Pitsea, said her mum had to get out of her wheelchair to avoid the potholes.

She said: “Mum was a real state after she fell. She had blood all over her face and it was heartbreaking to see. We were very lucky a doctor happened to be there and was able to help. Mum is on the mend now.

“There are a number of elderly residents around this area and they are not being protected from the ruined roads.

Councillor Phil Rackley has said Basildon gets a bad deal when it comes to  road maintenance and has complained about the state of a number of roads in his ward where the repairs of potholes are not up to scratch.

Mr Rackley has said Basildon gets a bad deal when it comes to road maintenance and has complained about the state of a number of roads in his ward where the repairs of potholes are not up to scratch.

He said: "It seems as though this has always been a problem and we need more long-lasting repairs. Ice and snow won't improve the situation so it has to be sorted."

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: "We are sorry to hear about the accident and we hope that the resident made a swift recovery. A Highways Officer will visit the area to establish the location of the road defect and to see if any potential repairs need to be undertaken."