Paying the price for defective pavements

According to statistics given to local Assembly member Alastair Ross, around half a million pounds was paid out across the east Antrim area.

“In response to an Assembly Question I have uncovered the startling statistics in relation to the considerable sums of money paid out in terms of compensation and associated legal costs because of personal injury as a result of defective roads and footpaths in Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey.

“The Department for Regional Development has advised me that in Carrickfergus, 238,497.05 was paid out in 2008/09, a massive jump from the 2007/08 figure of 16,029.76.

“In Larne, 11,292.48 was paid out in compensation and legal costs in 2008/09, a rise from the 2007/08 figure of 3,690.40.

“Newtownabbey had figures of 254,213.98 for 2008/09 and 232,031.05 for the preceding year.

“It is clear that ratepayers will be angry that their money is being used to pay out legal costs for defective roads and footpaths,” he said.

“Representatives and members of the public have a responsibility to report defects and it is then up to Roads Service to make them safe.” so that injuries and claims can be avoided,” said Mr Ross.