Pedestrians crossing the road in Muswell Hill will no longer get their feet wet after a successful campaign by Liberal Democrats. Lack of drainage at crossing points produced large ponds creating a serious problem for residents, especially the elderly, visually impaired and disabled pedestrians.

Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Newton, who led the campaign for action, has now been given assurances by Haringey Council that work to several crossings in the Muswell Hill area will be carried out to rectify the drainage problems.

Cllr Martin Newton, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Transport and Highways comments:

“I welcome the commitment from Haringey Council that they will now carry out works to rectify the drainage problems. Many of these crossing points have raised paving to alert visually impaired pedestrians to the change between pavement and the road, but a lack of thought to drainage has meant that pedestrians are led into a large pond. During the winter these ponds are liable to freeze causing a further and potentially more dangerous hazard for pedestrians.

“This is likely to be not just a local issue and Haringey Council must also take action to make sure that all pedestrian crossing points in the borough are fit for purpose and designed so water drains away.”

Cllr Gail Engert, (Muswell Hill) added:

“I am pleased that residents and visitors will be able to negotiate these crossings in future without getting wet feet. Local residents have pointed out to me this is also a real problem for those in wheelchairs or on mobility scooters who worry when the pavement and road surface are under water and fear that they might tip over.”