Dangerous pavements are a major cause of falls in the UK. We need you to report any dangerous pavement to your council
 

24% of pavements in the UK are unfit for use. And with 2.5 million older people falling over a pavement in 2006 alone, our councils must repair all dangerous pavements right away.

A fall for a younger person is likely to cause severe bruising. A fall for an older person can break bones and take months to heal, leaving them physically restricted and socially isolated.

You can help us prevent such falls.

What we want

All local authorities must commit to repairing dangerous pavements in their constituencies by June 2009.

What you can do

• You can report a dangerous pavement in your constituency to your council by downloading and filling in this postcard.
• You can also order hard copies of this card to distribute in your area by emailing falls@helptheaged.org.uk or calling 0207 239 1982.
• You can see how many dangerous pavements have been reported in your region by clicking on What's on? to see what's happening in your area.

What comes next?

Help the Aged will follow up with every local authority that you report to check their repairs. In June 2009 we will name and shame the worst-performing councils.

What else you can do?

Personalised contact has a great impact. You might like to write to your council's Head of Street Scene who should deal with pavements. Let us know you have done this and we can follow up with your council.

Does this affect Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differently?

Yes. The money for councils to spend on pavements comes from each national government, but the power to repair them rests with each local authority.

Local authorities should check the state of pavements every three months to ensure their safe.