A Dunblane man has called for better gritting after taking a fall on a footpath in the town.
Jerry Forde needed ambulance treatment after slipping while on his way to catch the 8.08am train to his work in Glasgow on Thursday morning.
The 63-year-old was stepping back off Old Doune Road and onto the footpath when he fell near St Laurence Avenue, injuring his knee and thigh.
Jerry said: “I’m hobbling quite a lot, but I was lucky not to break any bones.
“I contacted the [Stirling] Council afterwards and they didn’t seem too concerned about it.
“We had freezing fog for a few days before, but the footpath didn’t seem to be gritted.
“There had been gritters out on the road and it’s not as if this cold spell suddenly arrived.”
The Scottish Power employee has been able to continue working remotely, but is still on the mend.
Fall on busy Dunblane road
Old Doune Road is often busy with traffic heading to the railway station.
It is also used by those heading up the hill to Dunblane High School.
A passing paper boy called the ambulance and a woman provided Jerry with a blanket.
A GP also helped him into her car to keep him warm until paramedics arrived.
Several other Dunblane residents complained about black ice on the town’s roads last week.
And Jerry says he saw several others struggling to walk in the cold conditions.
‘More grit bins needed’ to deal with black ice
There were also other reports on social media of black ice in the town on Thursday.
He added: “I saw other pedestrians who were having to hold onto hand railings.
“We were struggling when I managed to get back up and I was worried we would fall again.
“I was wearing sensible footwear and I wasn’t running late.
“I don’t want to make a claim to the council, but this needs addressed.
“All they need to do is put in some more grit bins.
“There is nothing really that difficult or expensive about it.
“I hope to be back and dancing for Christmas Eve”.
Stirling Council says footpath was gritted
Stirling Council classifies the footpath along the length of Old Doune Road as a priority one gritting route.
The council told The Courier it had been gritted on the day of Jerry’s fall.
It also says it prioritises routes leading to schools, hospitals, train stations and health clinics for gritting.
A council spokesperson said: “We are sorry to hear that this resident had a fall and hope he is recovering well from his injuries.
“All of our priority one roads and footways were gritted on Thursday December 12 including the footway on the south side of Old Doune Road, which was treated between 5am and 8am.
“We also provide 506 grit bins across the Stirling area, which are regularly replenished during the winter for use by residents.
“While we are committed to keeping our roads and pathways clear and accessible during the challenging winter months, we encourage residents to plan ahead and follow the guidance from key national agencies.”
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