'Ski jump' path to be fixed after year-long row

"Since one and two-bedroom apartments were built as part of the West Hampstead Central project, the ramp-like walkway on West End Lane has caused concern for those less stable on their feet. Camden Council blamed the two developers, Astir Living and A2 Dominion, but the two firms denied responsibility and instead blamed the uneven pavement on council's "continued inaction". The council confirmed works began on Monday to level the "steep and hazardous" slope."

"Labour councillor Sharon Hardwick, who represents West Hampstead, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) her inbox had been full of emails from residents worried about the slant. "If you're unsteady on your feet or have got a pushchair you really have to navigate it," she said. She said the firms behind the development had "spectacularly failed" to follow their own plans. But the two firms have denied responsibility, and instead blamed the uneven pavement on Camden Council's "continued inaction"."

"In October 2024, hoardings in front of the buildings at 156 West End Lane were removed revealing the slanted pavement. Ian Ferrie, a local resident, told the BBC in November: "They've made a ski jump. That is very, very dangerous for older people." As the highway authority, Camden Council is responsible for the footpath and needed to give consent to the developer partners A2Dominion and Astir Living behind the project to make any changes."

A steep, ramp-like pavement on West End Lane in West Hampstead created safety concerns for older people, those unsteady on their feet, and parents with pushchairs. The slanted pavement appeared after completion of the West Hampstead Central development of one- and two-bedroom apartments. Camden Council and developers A2Dominion and Astir Living disputed who was responsible, with the council saying firms carried out unauthorised works and the firms blaming council inaction. Residents and the local councillor reported multiple complaints and described the slope as hazardous. The council confirmed works began to level the slope to remove the steep and hazardous angle.

Read at www.bbc.com