Perilous route which leaves pedestrians dodging head-height wing mirrors

THERE is a pavement in Derbyshire which I challenge anyone to walk along without fearing for their lives or taking a wing mirror to the head.

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter

The 400-metre stretch of Ilkeston Road from the Sowbrook Lane junction, between Ilkeston and Stanton by Dale, does have an accompanying pavement for pedestrians on its eastern side, but walking this route you would struggle to see it carry out its intended function.

More often, this pavement solely serves as an overspill extension for the road, used several times a minute - even outside of peak traffic - by heavy vehicles including a broad range of lorries and freight, some with extended trailers, alongside buses and bin lorries, due to the narrow width of the route.

The pavement measures around three feet wide, but two of these feet bear unnerving tyre marks from large vehicles mounting the walking route in order to avoid fellow vehicles coming the other way.

On the opposite western side of the road a makeshift lookalike pavement has been formed on what was a grass verge, carved out by around two feet in width by the sheer regularity in which it is utilised by large heavy vehicles needing more space.