Pedestrian steps described by one councillor as an “accident waiting to happen” are to be replaced.

Redcar and Cleveland Council successfully sought permission from councillors for the concrete steps leading to land belonging to Guisborough Rugby Club to be replaced with a steel staircase and a handrail on either side.

The steps, accessed off Belmangate, and built into a former railway embankment, which are a public right of way, were described as worn and dangerous.

Guisborough ward councillor Bill Suthers wrote in support of the application, stating: “These steps are dangerous and an accident waiting to happen.”

But local MP, Luke Myer, while acknowledging the poor quality of the steps, said not enough consideration had been given to wheelchair users and others with mobility problems.

He wrote: “If somebody on a mobility scooter joins the embankment at Enfield Chase, the only opportunity to leave the embankment is at Whitby Avenue.

“Also if you consider the steps [being replaced] then they join up to a path to Rectory lane.

“If that path was improved it would create a major mobility improvement for Guisborough with very little effort or outlay. 

“It’s this thinking that is needed. 

“A steel staircase will be dangerous in winter conditions, is terrible for mobility and frankly is more like a solution to an issue that is ill thought out.”

Local residents who responded to the planning application said the existing steps were very uneven and two handrails was an improvement, but the use of materials was questioned with steel described as having an industrial feel and not in keeping with the location.

A planning officer’s report recommending approval said: “The comments from the residents are noted in terms of the choice of materials and while it is acknowledged that steel is not a common feature along the existing walkway or steps the proposal would not be out of character for the area to levels which would be considered detrimental.

“The proposal is suitable in relation to the proportions, massing, height, size, scale, materials and detailed design features and the application would respect the character of the site and its surroundings.”

Members of the council’s regulatory committee passed the application in line with the recommendation.

 

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