‘IT IS A COMPLETE DANGER’: PENSIONER BLASTS ‘SHOCKING’ STATE OF HORNHURCH FOOTPATH

25th September 202625th September 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Dury Falls Estate, Footpath, Havering Council, Railway, Upminster min read

A pensioner who regularly uses the footpath between the Dury Falls Estate in Hornchurch and Upminster has hit out at what she describes as the appalling condition of the route, claiming her friend has nearly tipped over twice while using her mobility scooter.

Gemma and her friend use the footpath every week to travel between the Dury Falls Estate and Upminster, but she says the increasingly poor condition of the route is making the journey difficult and potentially dangerous for anyone using a mobility scooter.

According to Gemma, the footpath is cracked, uneven and covered in holes, with repeated patching failing to solve the underlying problem.

She says a section of the path was repaired just two weeks ago, but has already begun to deteriorate.

“It was repaired two weeks ago and the patch-up job they did is awful. It has already cracked and has holes in it.

“There were large holes all along the side of the path. The path is extremely uneven and needs to be completely resurfaced.

“Instead, it gets a variety of different patch-up jobs that two weeks later have holes all over the tarmac once again.”

Gemma says the condition of the path is particularly difficult for her friend, who uses a mobility scooter.

She claims her friend has almost tipped over twice while trying to negotiate the uneven surface.

“My friend uses a mobility scooter and has nearly tipped over twice along the path.

“It is at least an inch higher from one end to another.”

Gemma says the problem is not simply an issue of appearance, arguing that the uneven surface is making it harder for people with mobility difficulties to use the route safely.

She also believes the condition could create difficulties for parents pushing children in prams and pushchairs.

“My friend struggles in her mobility scooter as the path is so uneven. Now it has holes and cracks in it everywhere.

“They keep doing patch-up jobs, patching a bit up here and a bit there instead of doing what it needs – a complete resurface to even it all out.

“It really is a complete danger to people in the way it is now. Even for parents with children in pushchairs.

“It needs a total resurfacing, not more patch-up jobs making it even more uneven.”

The footpath is regularly used by residents travelling between the Dury Falls Estate and Upminster, according to Gemma, who says the current condition is particularly concerning for those who rely on mobility scooters.

She believes a full resurfacing would provide a safer and more even route rather than continuing with what she describes as temporary repairs.

A Havering Council spokesperson said:

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused to this resident and others using the footpath. Following initial repair works by our contractor, we inspected the footpath on 21 September following a complaint from a member of the public.

“We’ve identified a number of defects and have asked our contractor to carry out further works as soon as possible.”

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!