Critical highway defect at Fountain Green Square (SE16 4TX)
Sent to Southwark Council less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 9154371.
URGENT - CATEGORY 1 DEFECT. Multiple missing/sinking paving blocks (see photo) creating a deep void and severe trip hazard. This issue has been reported multiple times since 2023 with only failed "patch" repairs. This defect is a clear breach of Section 41 Highways Act 1980 and has already caused me serious physical injury. Immediate emergency make-safe and permanent reconstruction required. Council is now on formal notice of significant danger to the public at this location.
Updates
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Despite multiple reports over a prolonged period, the hazardous condition of the pavement remains unchanged. Large sections of the walkway are still broken, uneven, and in places completely missing. This presents a significant risk of falls and further injury. I am currently mobilising with two crutches due to recent injuries, and this environment is extremely unsafe. In addition, access to and from my property is now severely obstructed on a daily basis. Vehicles are consistently parked on pavements and across marked double yellow lines, effectively blocking pedestrian access routes entirely. In many instances, the walkway is completely impassable. As a result: I am unable to safely exit my home without risk of injury Pedestrian access is blocked, including for disabled residents and those with mobility aids Parents with children, elderly residents, and wheelchair users are unable to pass safely Vehicles are regularly occupying pedestrian space due to what appears to be misuse of residential garages and surrounding spaces being used for visitor parking and commercial short-term lets This is no longer an inconvenience issue. It is a clear and ongoing health and safety risk and an accessibility failure. The area is not functioning as a safe public walkway, despite being designated for pedestrian use. I also want to formally raise concern that despite repeated reporting and photographic evidence, there has been no meaningful intervention, enforcement, or repair action taken. This lack of response is deeply concerning given the ongoing risk to residents.
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Update to Report Ref: 9154371 – 11 June 2026 This is a formal update to warn Southwark Council that the public pavement at Fountain Green Square has now completely collapsed. Despite my previous urgent Category 1 warnings on 20 March 2026 and 21 April 2026, the council has abandoned this site and ignored its statutory duty under Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 (1.4). As of today, 11 June 2026, the dangerous area has expanded significantly. Multiple additional cobblestones are missing, and the holes have become much wider and deeper. The structural foundation of the walkway is entirely failing.Because of your total lack of emergency intervention, this pathway is now a trap. The structural danger is heavily worsened by vehicles that continue to park illegally on the broken walkway, crushing the remaining cobbles and completely blocking pedestrian access (1.4). As a vulnerable resident who must use 2 elbow crutches due to a severe knee injuries caused by this exact pavement, I am being physically trapped inside my home on a daily basis (1.4). Southwark Council is now on formal notice that this is a highly dangerous, expanding structural hazard. Any further injuries to my family or the public will be treated as a direct result of the council's knowing negligence. I demand an immediate emergency inspection by a senior highway engineer within 24 hours.
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