A national survey has shown that Britain's pavements are viewed as a disgrace.

Uneven and slippy pavements are leading to an epidemic of injuries throughout the country, it is claimed. It is thought that as many as one in five pavements in Britain is suffering from 'deterioration'. The survey - called Enjoy Your Trip? - was conducted by the Pedestrians Association, which campaigns for safe and convenient routes for pedestrians.

Bradford council this week told the Keighley News it plans to clamp down on the state of the districts pavements, particularly over dog dirt.

Joni Whaites, 15, a student at Keighley's Oakbank School on work experience with the Keighley News this week, asked people in Keighley town centre what they thought about the town's pavements.

Ian Barker, a 24-year-old security guard, agreed the pavements cause problems. "The uneven pavements seem to cause a lot of accidents," he said. "If tarmac was laid instead of the slabs, I think there wouldn't be as many accidents. I also think vehicles should stay off the pavements -the pavements are there for the pedestrians."

A Mr Haddington, who is retired, agreed. "The state of the pavements seems to have worsened over the last three years," he said. "When work is being done on the roads, they always seem to leave a mess behind. The litter is terrible, and if dog owners don't clean up after their dogs make a mess, they should be fined."

Cullingworth Fish and Chip Shop assistant manageress Hazel Abbott also hit out at dog owners. "The litter and the dog mess is disgusting," she said, "Dog owners should be fined if they don't clear up after their dogs. I suppose the road works are a necessity, but there are too many around."

Blanche Wilson, of Strong Close Way, Keighley, felt: "The litter is quite bad. but dog owners have taken more notice of signs and are clearing up their mess. The pavements seem to be in a reasonable state. The roadworks aren't a problem to me."

Elizabeth Kelly, of Elmwood Drive, Keighley, told us: "My sister had a bad accident when she slipped on some moss on a pavement - she cut her leg badly. And dog owners should clean up their pets' mess. Its disgraceful. I even found some outside my house once.

"Roadworks are a nuisance too. Lately there's been too many, and the workers don't always clean up after themselves."

Beverley Baker, 39, of Thwaites Brow, also felt there was much room for improvement. "The pavements are in a terrible state," she said. "It's horrendous. Kids are dropping litter all over the place. Some dog owners allow their dogs to mess in other peoples gardens. It's a disgrace. The road workers aren't motivated well enough. They'll dig a hole and leave it for weeks before continuing with their work."

Ann Roberts, of Delph House, Parkwood, said: "The state of the streets is pretty bad. There's far too much litter and dog mess.

"There are too many roadworks but they are necessary, so they don't bother me that much. Vehicles should stay off the pavements as they tend to cause damage. I know of someone who injured themselves on roadworks in the dark - there wasn't any warning signs."

And 18-year-old student Sobia Saddiq believed: "The paving seems to be OK, but there's too much litter and dog mess. Also, the noise that the roadworks make can be disturbing."

A council spokesman told the Keighley News this week: "Using new powers under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, the council is determined to make owners responsible for the clearing-up of dog dirt.

"Huge areas are designated where owners have to clean-up their dogs' mess, and £25 fixed penalties can be issued.

"On the subject of litter, that is very much an individual responsibility. It is not the council which drops litter.

"We do now have the new hi-tech litter machine which is a marvellous addition to our cleaning provision."

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