Dodgy footpaths are ruining a good walk for Mountains residents.
More than 90 per cent cited the lack of a footpath or missing links in paths as the main barriers to them walking.
The survey of residents was carried to prepare a pedestrian access and mobility plan (PAMP) for council, which is now open for public submissions.
The draft report found residents were also concerned about poor footpath paving and poor kerb ramps which made it difficult for people with prams, mobility walkers or in wheelchairs.
Lack of pedestrian signage and inadequate lighting or security were also a problem.
Two areas of missing footpaths repeatedly raised were Railway Parade west of Leura, and Railway Parade between Hazelbrook and Woodford.
Clr Romola Hollywood said she learnt soon after being elected in 2012 that council had laid only nine kilometres of new footpaths in nine years.
“At the same time, many people were raising issues with me about pedestrian access and safety,” she said.
“The biggest area of concern was Railway Parade from Hazelbrook to Woodford. This is a heavily used ‘collector’ road, where pedestrians, including school children, have little choice but to walk on the road and have to avoid cars, school buses and large trucks when they do this.”
She said there were also problems with “walkability” in other areas.
“They include Tableland Road Wentworth Falls, Sinclair Crescent Wentworth Falls, Falcon Street Hazelbrook and Boronia Road Bullaburra, to name but a few.”
Clr Hollywood said she welcomed the development of the draft plan and encouraged residents to read the report and give feedback.
“It’s important that we get this plan right. People know the challenges of walking around their local area and we are particularly keen to hear from people with mobility issues.
“It might even be that there are simple fixes such as completing short missing links in footpaths, trimming bushes to improve sightlines and making it easier to walk on the verges of the road.”
She acknowledged that many people were happy with their street as it was and emphasised that council wouldn’t be rolling out footpaths everywhere.
“However, the plan will help us to identify the hotspots where we can make improvements over time.”
The plan will be available for view and submission online, with printed copies available at council offices and branch libraries. Submissions are open until January 8.
The deputy mayor, Chris Van der Kley, said: “Community feedback on the draft plan will guide council to prioritise those areas where pedestrian access and safety are in need of review.”
Council will also hold three community workshops during the public exhibition period. They will be at Springwood on December 8, Lawson on December 9 and Katoomba on December 10.
