Leyton resident Amanda Connolly on why it should be cheaper to get a dropped kerb done from the council
I have a 70-year-old Mum living outside of London, able to drive and visits me regularly. She gets stressed by the parking. So I thought I’d be a good daughter and get a drop kerb put in. A previous builder had quoted me £1,500 so I thought I’d apply to the council.
I realise people have been dropping their kerbs and paving their gardens recently. I also know that they won’t have permission; you have to put in a semi-permeable surface now, due to the flooding.
I received a quote, in the princely sum of £9,287.77. I nearly fell off my seat when I read that, something to do with our road being single file so the parking is on the pavement and they need to resurface it all. The point is that if I hadn’t applied, it would only cost me £1,500 and how would they have known?
I don’t think I’ve seen anyone who’s concreted their gardens recently, having to return it back. There’s no recourse for appeal, my councillors (Forest Ward) have not replied or forwarded back my email saying “can’t help” basically. That’s ridiculous. Mum is back to stressing out before her journeys.
Thanks, Waltham Forest Council, for always putting profit before people. I don’t really know why I’m surprised.
No news is bad news
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.
More information on supporting us monthly or annually
More Information about donations
