By Dave Gudgeon

Last updated at 11:58, Thursday, 13 November 2008

A blind pensioner who said she was a prisoner in her own home because of uneven roads has won a battle to get them resurfaced.

Joan Myers with Robert Betton beside one of the holes

Joan Myers was stuck at home after falling because of road holes.

The 64-year-old, who suffers from a genetic eye defect, fell in Talkin Close, Durranhill, two years ago while she was training to use a white stick.

She said: “The stick got stuck in a rut and I went right over. I wasn’t hurt but it shook me up badly. I lost all my confidence.

“My road and Geltsdale Avenue are in a terrible state because of the increasing amount of traffic that has been using them in recent years.

“Things have deteriorated since the Rosehill industrial estate was built and Scotby Gardens development went up. There are potholes galore.”

Mrs Myers, who only goes out accompanied now, campaigned with others for re-surfacing work.

But they ran into problems because both roads are officially un-adopted which means the county council is not compelled to maintain them.

She said: “I was told that what was needed was a petition and I went round with a neighbour, Yvonne Cody, and Bob Betton who stood for the council. We asked for our roads to be re-surfaced and adopted although I admit some people on Geltsdale Avenue had different views on that, fearing it might become a bus route.”

Mrs Myers took her case to the Cumbria County Council local committee for Carlisle on Tuesday – and members agreed to a £25,000 re-surfacing programme but not adoption.

She said afterwards: “I’m delighted that we have won the day. It feels like I have been a prisoner in my own home for too long.

“I believe this work will take place over the next few months so I’m looking forward to starting a new life in the spring, with some independence.

“I think all the residents will be happy with this outcome even though it is not all that we asked for. It just shows what can be achieved when people band together.”

First published at 11:21, Thursday, 13 November 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk