Valves replaced, safety restored

RUNNERS, parents with prams, young children and the visually impaired are no longer putting their safety at risk around the footpaths of Lakeside.
Following the News’ inquiries last week, South East Water replaced the lids to the sluice valves, required by South East Water to access the water network, around Lakeside.
Local resident Charles Harris contacted the News after noticing the lids disappearing leaving gaping holes in the footpaths.
He was concerned that the holes were putting distracted runners, parents with prams, young children and the visually impaired at risk of tripping.
“Someone could easy be injured as a result of tripping on it. I am surprised a kid hasn’t fallen in, a vision impaired person hasn’t had a severe leg laceration or a dog running for a ball hasn’t broken its leg,” Mr Harris said.
But a South East Water spokesperson said it had recently replaced a valve cover at Lakeside and had inspected the surrounding area.
Mr Harris said the current valve covers, made from recycled plastic, were not fit for purpose if they were so easily damaged or removed.
“It is not easy to damage the covers although if someone is intent on vandalising or damaging them, then it is possible,” a South East Water spokesperson said.
Residents should contact the South East Water faults and emergencies centre on 13 28 12 to report missing or damaged sluice valve covers.