A NEWPORT pensioner who says he and others feel abandoned by the city council claims that the pavement and road outside his house “can’t be trusted” and are not wheelchair-friendly.

Newport City Council says it has inspected Treberth Avenue and found the road surface to be in a safe condition.

But Edward Robinson, who has lived there for 16 years, said that the dropped kerbs in the area are not up to standard and are causing issues for the frail and elderly.

The 70-year-old added: “Another problem is the road – it is bare concrete and it is as old as me.”

Mr Robinson claims that he slipped off a kerb while walking his dog last year.

He said he was going to step off the road and ruptured his Achilles tendon.

“It was so painful,” he added. “I believe that if the road was levelled with tarmac, it wouldn’t have happened.

“I think everyone here has issues with it, a lot of people here are old, frail and frightened.

“One person will not come out on the mobility scooter because she doesn’t trust the pavements.

“We feel abandoned, and it seems the council do not think we are vulnerable.

“They could make life a bit easier for us.”

Mr Robinson said he and others would like dropped kerbs to be wheelchair friendly and for the roads to be tarmacked, for safety and to reduce the amount of noise.

“We also want the speed limit to be reduced to 20 mph and signs for an elderly people crossing,” he added.

A Newport City Council spokeswoman said: “Officers from Newport City Council have inspected Treberth Avenue and found the road surface to be in a safe condition.

“The road does not currently meet the criteria for a 20 mph speed restriction and subsequent traffic calming measures such as speed bumps.

“The council has noted damage to two pedestrian kerbs at the top of Treberth Avenue which will be added to the roadworks’ repairs programme. The survey did not identify a need for extra dropped kerbs.

“A request for an elderly persons road sign to be put up will be submitted and considered.”