Penarth mobility community are urging the Vale of Glamorgan Council to improve uneven pavements and install more drop kerbs around the town.

Snowdrop Independent Living provide and service stairlifts, mobility scooters, riser recliner chairs and much more, ensuring countless Penarthians are able to keep moving.

Bob Skinner, a Snowdrop customer and former Penarth resident of over twenty years, was pleased to see the Vale Council had improved some areas but says more still needs to be done.

"I wrote to the council and asked that they install a drop kerb at the top of Alexandra Park, where Rectory Road meets Beach Road," said Bob.

"I'm glad to see there is now one there, and that Beach Road has been

re-tarmacked.

"That was a death trap. When I was on my scooter, I had to get onto the road via the corner, which was dangerous with the buses coming around the bend."

Bob was also pleased to that a number of drop kerbs had been installed on Albert Road, as he was previously unable to access the surgery and collect his medication.

He also specified the Esplanade along up to Cliff Hill as an area where the uneven pavement had forced him into the road on his scooter.

Although parts of this section have since been tarmacked, at the top of Cliff Parade Bob struggled to traverse the uneven surface posed by the paving stones and dents in the tarmacked section.

"If you are on a scooter, pushing a pram or using a walking stick, this is very difficult," said Bob.

"Even these tarmacked sections can be bumpy and it makes a huge difference when there's patches everywhere."

Sophia Wu, marketing manager of Snowdrop Independent and Penarth resident, said the design of some drop kerbs are concerning for mobility scooter users.

"Since I started working at Snowdrop, I have better awareness of the drop kerbs available in Penarth and the design of them" said Sophia.

"Some of them are too high, making it difficult for users of smaller scooters.

"The biggest challenge is drivers parking on drop kerbs, it obstructs wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs, forcing them onto the road.

"Some mobility scooters are only designed for the pavement which can worsen the hazard of being forced onto the road.

"Their size makes them less visible on the road and it's dangerous. It's a

particular problem at night time for mobility scooters that don't have lights on them."

Nub News has approached the Vale of Glamorgan Council for comment on the issues raised and is awaiting a response.

Although Bob now lives in Cardiff, he still enjoys regular visits to Penarth but found his access around the town limited by poor quality pathways and pavements.

"I used to walk along Cliff Top Park most afternoons when I lived here, but now this is very dangerous and difficult," said Bob.

"Normally people would never notice potholes in pavements. I've learnt a lot since being disabled."

To find out more about how Snowdrop Independent Living can support your mobility needs, click here