Oct 1 2008 by Tom Bodden, Daily Post (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2008/10/01/thousands-injured-by-pavement-tumbles-55578-21935691/ )
THOUSANDS of old people – more than 200 a day – fall on damaged pavements in Wales.
One in 10 of those who trip need medical help, while one in five who break a hip will die within a year.
The charity Help the Aged is highlighting the dangers of cracked and damaged walkways in an event at the Senedd today. It marks the International Day of Older Persons.
Help the Aged in Wales director Ana Palazón said: “We estimate that as many as 200 older people fall on damaged pavements in Wales every day.
“Some 10% who fall require medical attention and 20% will die within a year of suffering a hip fracture caused by a fall. “Damaged pavements are potentially a matter of life or death for older people. We need urgent action to tackle the problem.”
A recent report by Help the Aged said some Welsh councils were holding back money they could spend on repairing dangerous pavements to cover compensation claims.
The report, Falling Short, highlights a fear factor among councils over high legal costs and compensation payouts.
Ms Palazón said: “Councils’ priorities should be older people’s health and wellbeing; they should not have to worry about compensation claims.
“In 2007 one Welsh council spent about £620,000 on pavements as and when they became damaged, but was also holding back £948,000 to cover legal costs.’’
Labour Mid-Wales AM Joyce Watson, who is sponsoring the event, said: “Councils, with the support of agencies like Help the Aged in Wales, should invest to make the urgent repairs that could be the difference between life and death.”
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