Residents feel 'trapped' because Green Vale have not gritted walkways at Tong Lane flats

Residents feel 'trapped' because Green Vale Homes have not gritted walkways at Tong Lane flats

Green Vale Homes has been criticised by Whitworth residents after it emerged that they were not gritting walkways to and from flats on Tong Lane.

The flats, home to several elderly residents, are in a hazardous conditions with footpaths and walkways left covered in ice.

It is understood that one resident of the flats has had to cancel medical appointments due to fear of using the walkways whilst others have felt “trapped” in their homes due to the conditions of the area.

Frances Clarke, Head of Green Vale Homes, said: “The current weather conditions are putting severe pressure on our resources. Our commitment has always been to grit paths at sheltered schemes to ensure carers and visitors reach our tenants. Sometimes this means revisiting several times to ensure paths stay clear.

“The flats at Tong Lane are not sheltered schemes and, along with our other housing areas, it’s impossible to provide gritting for all tenants. Even if we were able to do this, areas beyond the flats will still be hazardous. Our advice to all tenants in these conditions is to stay safe indoors and not to venture out unless it is really necessary.”