Dangerous conditions have been causing chaos for residents of one estate, with many slipping on icy paths, thought to be caused by a broken pipe – and one man is calling for action.

For several years, a stream of water has been seen coating the paths on Hillside Close, in Maryport.

With the extreme weather hitting the county since before Christmas, the stream has become a frozen sheet of ice, posing a serious threat to residents’ safety, particularly those who are unsteady on their feet.

And despite Councillor Peter Little contacting Cumbria County Council and Castes ad Coasts Housing Association (CCHA), which is responsible for the estate, almost six weeks ago, nothing has been done to make the area safer for the community.

“It looks to me like there is a burst pipe underground, and I have been particularly concerned recently with the icy conditions we have had,” Coun Little, who represents Maryport South ward on Allerdale Borough Council, said.

“Several residents have been in contact to inform me they have slipped and injured themselves.

“A lot of elderly residents are to receive the vaccination against Covid on Friday and Saturday at Maryport Rugby club, and although some will have transport, some will be walking.

“The paths on Hillside, Ellenborough and Ewanrigg will be very dangerous if it freezes overnight again.”

The concerned councillor has written to Keith Little, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Cumbria County Council, and Castles and Coasts Housing Association, but neither have taken action.

A spokesman for the council said the issue lies with United Utilities, as it appears to be a burst pipe causing the problem.

Coun Little said: “It is appalling that both parties are unwilling to help, and I am concerned that an elderly person will seriously injure themselves soon, and it would render both liable.

“My biggest concern for residents is that many of them on the Hillside estate are cut off from local amenities if this path freezes over.

“They are at serious risk of injury and, as mentioned, some need to walk to receive the Covid vaccination.”

He continued: “I understand the financial pressure councils are under with cuts from Central Government, but they must give reassurances as to what they are doing during winter weather.

“As a result of paths being untouched while the local authority focuses its attention on keeping main roads open, thousands of elderly people are at serious risk of injury, or simply isolated for fear of going outside.

“I would like for those responsible to work together, and resolve the situation at the earliest opportunity to make it safer for residents, especially in these freezing conditions.”

CCHA director of property services, Rob Brittain, said: “CCHA was made aware of the issue and immediately despatched a maintenance team to investigate.

"We brought it to the attention of the utilities supplier, in order to ensure that the situation is resolved by the appropriate party as soon as possible.

“We are also currently working with the local authority, and meeting the utilities company later this week to help rectify the problem.”

A spokesperson for United Utilities confirmed an engineer was sent out yesterday afternoon (January 6) to investigate the issue, and said the company apologises for any inconvenience caused to the public.