Concern over footpath at other lake

A BALLARAT resident is calling for a footpath to be created near Lake Esmond in Canadian, with fears pedestrians will be hit and killed by a car.

The section of Larter Street between Lal Lal Street and Clayton Street currently does not have a footpath.

David Crocker said there have been some close calls as pedestrians walk along the road to get to the lake.

“There has been a series of near misses where people have been knocked, we’ve also had serious car crashes into light poles or fences,” he said.

“I’m concerned someone will be seriously, seriously hurt because unfortunately we cop a lot of hooning cars along here.”

Mr Crocker said many residents cannot walk along the nature strip as it is not a suitable surface.

“The street has no formal footpath and there are a lot of young kids, people with motorised scooters, wheelchairs and of course the general public walking,”’ he said.

“They are forced to walk along the road because the nature strip is too rough and quite often not mown.”

Mr Crocker has been in discussion with the City of Ballarat who’s staff are currently arranging a meeting to discuss the issue.

“A number of City of Ballarat councillors are meeting with the residents of Larter Street about the need for a footpath in this location, in the coming weeks,” said the City’s director of infrastructure and environment, Bridget Wetherall.

“There are many criteria to take into consideration in regard to prioritising new footpath construction, such as land use, linkage to other paths, pedestrian catchments and bus routes.”

The City is currently preparing its footpath strategy.

“The City of Ballarat’s footpath program for 2023/2024 includes eight new footpaths that fit the budget of $865,000,” said Ms Wetherall.

“We urge the residents to advocate for the footpath in this location, as it will be taken into consideration for the development of the upcoming Footpath Strategy.”

Mr Crocker said he hopes following the meeting, action will be taken to construct the pathway.

“The ideal outcome of course is that they will commit to building a formal footpath that will take people away from walking on the road,” he said.

“That’s my aim, to safeguard the public and it’s not an exaggeration when I say herds of people visit here.”