By Natalie Gallenti
SUNSHINE resident Margaret McGrath is calling on Brimbank Council to repair a footpath before a possible tragedy strikes.
The concerned resident said the footpath on Link Rd has been flooded for the past eight weeks and pedestrians were being forced to walk on the road – even with prams and pets.
Mrs McGrath said with oncoming traffic and speeding motorists on the busy road this was “an accident waiting to happen.”
She said the water has laid dormant for over two months and demanded the council remedy the situation, particularly as mosquitoes and other insects were polluting the area.
“It’s like a swamp out there. I have stopped walking the dogs because it’s just too dangerous,” Mrs McGrath said.
“It’s not fair that people are being forced to walk on the roads with speeding motorists coming towards them.
“The water is two inches deep and it’s dangerous for pedestrians and bike riders.”
Brimbank Council General Manager Infrastructure and Environment Paul Younis said the flooding had occurred due to the continuing heavy rainfall in spring, leaving the ground saturated.
Mr Younis said council officers were following up with Melbourne Water to determine what rectification works could be undertaken to prevent the water from pooling.
He said the water was pumped out last Tuesday, however, the council recognised the pooling of water over a footpath was a safety hazard and was investigating options to remedy the situation.
Mrs McGrath said while the water had been cleared, she still had grave concerns if the wet weather continued.
