Residents of Meadowhead and Chancet Wood have been left puzzled after council contractors removed the handrails on Roxton Avenue, which forms one of the main walking routes for residents going between Chancet Wood and Meadowhead. This route is prone to ice in cold weather and I have been contacted by many residents who are concerned that the removal of the handrail will make the pavements along the route less safe for residents to use.

The handrails on Roxton Avenue have been removed – but are now to be put back following action by councillor Richard Shaw

Contractors have told residents that the removal of the handrails is part of a citywide initiative to remove “unnecessary” handrails. However, after I contacted Streets Ahead  to raise my concerns, I was told a “senior manager” has now inspected the site and that the handrails would be reinstated within 4 to 6 weeks. Obviously, not only has this caused inconvenience and worry to residents, but council taxpayer money has been wasted by the handrails’ unnecessary removal.

If this is really part of a citywide scheme, then how many other communities across Sheffield have been affected by this blunder?