Path work in Grimsby leaves blind man 'angry and unsafe'

A BLIND man has criticised North East Lincolnshire Council after path works in Grimsby left him feeling "scared and disorientated".

Adam Gray, 26, who is registered as blind, claims work to widen the paths outside the Foresight disability centre, on the corner of Newmarket Street, has made it dangerous for people with disabilities to cross Freeman Street.

Mr Gray said the ongoing noise from machinery has made it difficult to cross the road and believes more should have been done to warn Foresight users of what was happening.

The Cleethorpes resident said: "When I first knew of the roadworks, I was furious; all the paths seem to be blocked and there were huge diggers around.

"It was scary and disorientating. My vision is greatly impaired so I rely on my hearing, and I could hear cars coming from both directions.

"I believe it has put the 'dis' in disabling."

The work being carried out is part of the council's long-term plan to restore Freeman Street to its former glory and includes pathways being widened and given a facelift.

The contract to carry out public realm improvements between Nelson Street and Hainton Square was awarded to Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd, as reported.

Mr Gray, who spends three days a week at the Foresight centre, said the work has left him feeling angry and unsafe.

He added: "I am normally fine crossing the road because I use the pelican crossing near the old cinema, but I can't do that at the moment.

"They know we are here but when I was trying to cross not one worker tried to help me.

"I think the council should be more considerate and should have made some adaptations.

"They could have at least visited Foresight and let us have some path to walk on."

Jason Longhurst, head of development at the council, said: "The contractor received a complaint from Mr Gray and the site was inspected immediately.

"Barriers had been moved only slightly to allow for the movement of materials but have since been positioned well clear of the doorway.

"Footpath works in that area are due to be completed by today, and the crossing is due to be reopened by the weekend."