MORE than half the pavements in Worcestershire need urgent repairs, an official survey has revealed.

A report drawn up for the Department for Transport found that 60 per cent of the county's footways are crumbling.

Among those who have first-hand experience of the problem are the elderly residents of Homenash House, St George's Lane, Barbourne. The pavement that runs past the complex towards Barbourne Road is uneven in many places.

Earlier this year, a petition, organised by resident Michael Stone, aged 83, was signed by around 80 per cent of those who live in the privately-run, 64-apartment complex, calling for that stretch of footpath to be improved.

Mr Stone described it as 'treacherous'.

"The real trouble is that as you get older you tend to lose your balance. You only need to be slightly knocked out of the way you are going and, before you know where you are, you may well be falling down," said the retired civil engineer.

Mr Stone added that a few years ago he tripped and fell as a result of the damaged pavement but, fortunately, he was not injured.

The petition was handed to the county council two months ago.

Pedestrian Lorraine Qartu said she was not surprised at the high number of crumbling pavements.

"Wherever you walk it's like that," said the 41-year-old from Rainbow Hill. "My six-year-old daughter has often tripped."

Councils are liable to be sued by pedestrians who trip or fall because of crumbling pavements and potholes.

Worcestershire County Councillor Mary Drinkwater, who represents the area, and handed in the petition on the Homenash House residents' behalf, echoed their concerns.

"As you get a bit older you don't pick your feet up as much when walking and you can trip," said Coun Drinkwater.