Forres residents waiting months for Moray Council to fix steps leading from Bogton Road to town centre

Residents are unhappy about the length of time the local authority is taking to repair public steps behind their homes leading to the town centre.

Andrew Logie and Kevin Di Sotto of Bogton Road claim Moray Council fenced off the passage to North Road popular with all of their neighbours - including the elderly and schoolchildren - in the summer, but work has yet to start despite a sign stating it will be closed until February.

Andrew has used the steps for walking his dog or nipping to the shops daily since moving to 68 Bogton Road four years ago. He first noticed advice stuck to a lamppost on North Road in August, when he contacted the local authority for further details.

He explained: “There isn't a safe alternative path linking to the rest of the town’s path network. The alternatives are: to walk on the road near the southwest end of Mosset park, which has a dangerous corner; or go up steeper steps to St Ronan’s Road, walk on the road at Seaforth Place to Victory Road, then cross from to North Road where there isn't a path directly opposite and cars are often blocking the way.

“We have elderly neighbours now having to walk on the road, and neighbouring children walking to school along the same dangerous routes.”

He added: “When I pointed this out to the council, their guidance was to follow the Highway Code.”

Moray Council have confirmed that a structural engineer had inspected the steps and found defects. A contractor is being sourced to carry out the repairs and access to the area is restricted until the work is complete.

Housing projects officer, Thomas Hampson, advised of the alternative routes and told Andrew: “The steps are unsafe for use in their present condition. A structural engineer will design a suitable replacement and then carry out the necessary repair works.”

Andrew’s neighbour Kevin at number 58 pointed out that Heras fencing has blocked the steps since before the end of the school summer holidays.

“They provide the most convenient access to High Street - the nearby steps leading to St Ronan's Road are too steep and towering for many residents.

“The other access points through St Ronan's Road, Russell Place and Caroline Street aren’t much better - using these other options during winter will be dangerous.”

Kevin believes that residents with mobility issues or who do not have access to transport are being alienated.

He added: “It’s taking far too long for the work to start.”

The Gazette asked Moray Council for an update but at the time of writing has not received a reply.