I have a second petition, which addresses the important issue of the condition of our paths and roads, which are the subject of the Adjournment debate that will begin in a moment. Residents are deeply concerned about Felstead road and have been asking councillors to take action to repair it for years. Recent ice and water damage have exacerbated the problem. The key concern is for people's safety, and especially that of elderly people. I warmly congratulate all the caring residents who signed the petition, which states:

The Petition of Mr. Kent Taylor, Mr. Lee Gardiner, residents of Castle Point and others,

Declares that the pavements and Felstead Road between the A13 and Bowers Road, Benfleet are in a state of disrepair; that in their current state, these present a real and immediate danger to local residents, especially the elderly and those with limited mobility, and have already been the cause of several accidents; further, that poorly maintained pavements disadvantage pedestrians, are unsightly and adversely affect the local street scene; that for these and other valid reasons, residents call for the immediate repair and continued maintenance of the road and pavements since this is in the public interest.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to press the Borough Council, Essex County Council, the Highways Authority and all Councillors, to ensure the immediate repair and continued maintenance of Felstead Road, Benfleet.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000768]