Sheffield pensioner breaks hip after slipping on 'death trap' pavement outside his bungalow

Frank Turner pictured with the pavement outside his bungalow. Picture: Andrew Roe.

Frank Turner, 73, had to have his hip replaced following the incident outside his bungalow on Boden Place, Darnall, last month and has just returned home from hospital.

The grandad-of-seven said works carried out by Sheffield Council contractor Amey as part of a Â£2.2 billion highway improvements contract were turning roads and footpaths into 'ice rinks'.

Frank Turner is now back home after having his hip replaced. Picture: Andrew Roe.

He said: "It was just black ice - I couldn't see it at all. I was fine on the path from the bungalow but as soon as I stepped onto the footpath I fell.

"All my face, my arms and my legs were bruised and I had to have my hip replaced. The paths are like ice rinks. They used to have a rough finish before with pebbles or gravel on the top that would offer some grip but there's nothing now."

The works are being carried out across the city as part of the Streets Ahead contract, which has been shrouded in controversy since it began in 2012.

The Star reported on concerns from people across the city following the cold spell earlier this month.

Mr Turner said: "The paths are just death traps. They're just no good. My own path was fine on the morning it happened but the newly-laid path was awful.

"I'm back home now but am struggling a bit. I'm still having physiotherapy and using a walking stick."

A Streets Ahead spokeswoman said: “We are very sorry to hear about Mr Turner's injuries.

"We have responsibility for maintaining paths and it is the case that newly laid paths do have a smoother finish than the old worn ones. Prior to resurfacing by Streets Ahead, the surfaces of many paths across the city had deteriorated.

"Although a rough surface can sometimes be advantageous during periods of snow and ice, we have to maintain paths in order to ensure that, at any point in the year, they do not provide a trip hazard and they are compliant with national standards. The newly-laid surfaces are designed and constructed in line with the national standards."

She added there were 2,000 grit bins around Sheffield and urged the public to let them know if they're empty by calling 0114 2734567.