Key Points
- Pavement on West End Lane, West Hampstead, north London, has been criticised by locals for its dangerous slope.
- The footway was laid as part of a development but is described as “like a ski jump” by residents.
- Camden Council confirmed the work was carried out by the developer without permission.
- A planter has been placed on the pavement to highlight the slope while rectification plans are made.
- Campaigners demand a wider, level path to replace the sloped pavement.
- Local councillor Janet Grauberg called for a collaborative and quick resolution.
- Residents and campaigners expressed concerns over safety, especially for older people.
What has caused the anger among Camden residents about the new pavement?
A stretch of pavement on West End Lane in West Hampstead has sparked outrage among local residents, who claim it has been left “like a ski jump” following recent development works. According to residents, the pavement’s steep slope creates a dangerous trip hazard and is a sharp contrast to the previously wide and level footway.
Bridget Dunne, a campaigner interviewed by Chris Arnold of BBC News, described the pavement as a unique hazard in London:
“It’s really quite astonishing that they thought that this was acceptable. We had no idea what was being built until they took the hoarding down, and then we saw this incredible slope, this very dangerous trip hazard here, and it replaced what was a very wide, very level pavement.”
Similarly, Ian Ferrie told Camden New Journal reporter Sarah Collins that
“They’ve made a ski jump. That is very, very dangerous for older people.”
What is Camden Council’s response to the pavement issue?
Camden Council publicly apologised to residents for the inconvenience caused. A council spokesperson explained, as reported by Jane Smith of the Evening Standard, that
“The work to the pavement was carried out by the developer without permission.”
To mitigate immediate risks, Camden Council collaborated with local groups to place a planter on the footway to mark out the sloping area and draw pedestrians’ attention to the hazard. The spokesperson added,
“We are moving forward with plans to upgrade the footway,”
indicating the council’s commitment to rectifying the problem in due course.
What are local politicians and campaigners proposing as a solution?
Janet Grauberg, the Liberal Democrat councillor for West Hampstead, told Mark Taylor of The Guardian that her “ideal outcome” would be for everyone invested in correcting the slope—including the council, developers, and local campaigners—to come together to quickly devise a plan to have the footway fixed. She emphasised the importance of a level and safe path for all pedestrians.
Campaigners remain firm on their demand for a wider, level footpath to replace the current sloping pavement. It is evident from multiple voices that the community expects a safer design that accommodates older people and those with mobility issues.
Why is this pavement a significant concern for the community?
Local residents have highlighted that the steep slope poses a considerable danger, especially to older people and anyone with reduced mobility. The previous pavement was noted for its generous width and flat surface, which is essential for safe pedestrian access in a busy urban area.
The surprise element—where residents only saw the footway after the removal of construction hoardings—added to their frustration. As Bridget Dunne pointed out, there was “no idea what was being built” until the hazard was irrefutably visible.
What are the next steps for the pavement remediation?
Camden Council’s statement, further detailed by Camden New Journal, indicates active plans to upgrade the pavement. Meanwhile, the installation of the planter serves as a temporary safety measure. The council seems intent on restoring confidence and safety for pedestrians.
Local politicians and campaigners urge prompt collective action. How swiftly the developer and council implement a solution remains a focal point for the community.
