WARRNAMBOOL’S mayor has called on contractors to fix rough footpaths in the central business district, after works left the footpath akin to a patchwork quilt.
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The footpath on the northern side of Koroit Street was left uneven after National Broadband Network contractors installed infrastructure as part of the national rollout.
Mayor Kylie Gaston says the out-of-town contractors were required to leave the footpath, at the front of the National Australia Bank, “like-for-like”.
“When they pulled up the footpath, they should have put it back in with the same materials,” she said.
“It’s not good enough. It doesn’t promote pride in our city.
“They are out-of-town contractors so they don’t have the civic pride.
“Quite frankly it’s unprofessional, shabby and dangerous. There are trip hazards here.
“It’s like a patchwork quilt.
“It’s an awful look for the city.”
Cr Gaston said residents deserved better.
“This is our city and our footpaths, and we expect better,” she said.
“We want residents to be able to walk on our footpaths safely.”
Warrnambool resident Joan Dunning was walking along the street on Tuesday, when The Standard was talking to Cr Gaston.
Minutes before, she said she had almost tripped on an uneven surface.
“It’s a danger,” she said. “My toe caught the edge of a rough patch and I nearly went over.”
A Victorian NBN spokesman the council’s concerns would be investigated, and, if necessary, appropriate action would be taken.
“Regardless of where our contractors are from or where they are working, NBN expects them to ensure any public or private amenities affected by construction are restored as closely as possible to their original condition,” he said.