THE COMET has come to the rescue to help sort out some problem paving. We were contacted by Norman Fleming, 74, of Oakhill, Letchworth GC, after he became exasperated by the state of a paved area between Oakhill and Maddles. He said the area – a popular w

THE COMET has come to the rescue to help sort out some problem paving.

We were contacted by Norman Fleming, 74, of Oakhill, Letchworth GC, after he became exasperated by the state of a paved area between Oakhill and Maddles.

He said the area - a popular walkway often used by senior citizens - was overgrown with weeds and grass, and had dangerous uneven paving slabs.

Mr Fleming said he alerted North Hertfordshire Homes to the problems last year.

He had subsequently been told the matter was "in the hands of the contractors" but no action had been taken.

Last week, after The Comet got in touch with NHH, the weeds were cleared, but nothing was done about the paving slabs.

We contacted NHH again earlier this week and on Wednesday morning workmen went out to re-lay the slabs.

Mr Fleming said: "I'm pleased because The Comet got onto them and they've actually come and done the work.

"I'm very pleased about it but it's taken from last year until now."

A spokesman for NHH said: "Flagstones settle or are disturbed by tree roots from time to time.

"North Hertfordshire Homes carries out regular estate inspections and paved areas needing attention are identified and attended to as part of an ongoing cyclical maintenance programme.

"Any which are deemed a danger to health and safety are dealt with immediately.

"North Hertfordshire Homes has no record of any report from tenants of particular problems with the paved area between Oakhill and Maddles other than that made by Mr Fleming in July.

"A site inspection showed that a number of weeds had grown up between the flags and arrangements were made for a contractor to spray and clear the area. This has been carried out.

"We have reinspected the area following this work and four slabs were due to be lifted and re-laid yesterday (Wednesday).

"However we are not of the opinion that there is any health and safety issue regarding the condition of the flagstones.

"We have no record of any report from Mr Fleming regarding the condition of the flags a year ago and have received no reports from other tenants.