Letter to the editor: How long does it take Bromley Council to relay 200 paving slabs? Eight weeks.

Eight weeks ago, contractors fenced off the alleyway between Upper Park Road and Freelands Road and lifted some of the paving slabs.

A few days later, they returned and lifted some more. This left the alleyway with paving slabs lined up along the sides and some still in place.

After a week, people began to ignore the barrier and walk through the alleyway. I called the council a week or so later and was promised a call to discuss the problems. There was no call.

I went into the civic centre three weeks ago and formally raised the issue. A few days later I was called and told that inspectors would look into it.

On Thursday, the alleyway was completely fenced off to stop people walking through the short cut. The following day at 6pm, the contractor started relaying the slabs. The whole job probably took no more than two days work in total.

Eight weeks ago, the alleyway had some uneven paving, but it was not dangerous or difficult for the elderly and mothers with pushchairs who regularly use it to get to schools and shops.

No wonder the council needed a year’s closure of the High Street.

JOHN BIRCH, Bromley