Concerns have been raised over missing pedestrian safety railings at two busy locations in Stone, with a county councillor asking Staffordshire County Council to explain why they have been removed and whether they will be replaced.
The railings previously stood outside The Bridge Inn at the junction with Oulton Road and alongside the railway bridge on Radford Street, both areas used by pupils travelling to and from local schools.
Councillor Jill Hood, who represents Stone Urban on Staffordshire County Council, has contacted the highways team after being approached by residents concerned about pedestrian safety.
The junction outside The Bridge Inn is particularly busy during school travel times, with buses and lorries among the vehicles negotiating the turn. Larger vehicles can need considerable space to swing around the corner, bringing them close to the pavement.
Photographs taken by A Little Bit of Stone on Monday 2 November show the pavement outside the pub without the railings previously visible in older Google Street View images.
Concerns over school routes
In an email to the county council’s highways team on Friday 30 October, Councillor Hood raised concerns about the missing railings at both locations, particularly because of the number of young people using these routes.
She pointed to pupils attending Alleyne’s Academy and Christ Church Academy, alongside other pedestrians who regularly use the pavements.
In her correspondence, Councillor Hood said
“The missing sections of railings are located close to heavily congested roads and crossing points where pedestrians may make unexpected movements.
“The railings previously provided a degree of separation and protection between pedestrians and vehicles, and their absence has understandably raised concerns amongst residents.”
The councillor has asked the highways team to confirm why the railings were removed and whether their absence is temporary or permanent.
She also wants to know whether any safety assessments have been carried out, if the original railings will be reinstated or replaced with alternative measures, and when any outstanding work might be completed.
Recent roadworks in Stone
The questions come as Staffordshire County Council has announced the completion of its road improvement programme around Stone town centre.
In an update issued on Friday 30 October, the authority confirmed that works covering several roads, including Radford Street, had finished. These included repairs to pavements, kerbs and drains, alongside resurfacing and improvements to crossing points.
However, the council’s announcement did not address the missing pedestrian railings or establish whether their removal was connected to the improvement programme.
The reason for the removals and any plans for replacement remain to be clarified by the highways team.
Residents invited to share their views
Councillor Hood is keen to hear from people who use these routes, including parents, pedestrians and other residents, to understand the level of concern about the missing railings.
She hopes to use their feedback alongside the information requested from Staffordshire County Council.
Anyone wishing to share their experiences or concerns can contact Councillor Hood directly by emailing jill.hood@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Further information will be shared when the county council provides an explanation of the situation.
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