In the quiet suburban streets of Albury, NSW, a local man's frustration has reached boiling point as he calls for immediate action from the council to tackle a 'dangerous' issue that has plagued his neighborhood for years. Simon Barlow, a resident of 25 years, is demanding council intervention to address the severe leaf problem that has turned his street into a treacherous obstacle course, especially for the elderly and those with mobility issues.

The picturesque plane and pear trees that line the old street of Barlow's neighborhood are a sight to behold, but with beauty comes a hidden danger. As autumn sets in, the leaves fall in such overwhelming quantities that gutters become clogged, leading to flooding and creating hazardous conditions for residents. Barlow reports that he spends his weekends filling 'four 240 litre green bins' with the relentless leaf fall, a task that has become a Sisyphean struggle against nature.

The situation is more than just an inconvenience; it's a safety hazard. 'You can't actually get out to your car without jumping at least a metre right off of the gutter,' Barlow explained. The risk of slipping and falling is high, and for those in their golden years, such an accident could result in serious injury. Barlow himself admits to having taken a tumble on more than one occasion while navigating the leaf-strewn paths.

Albury residents demanded council action on the dangerous leaf problem causing flooding. Credit: Shutterstock

Despite repeated pleas to Albury City council, the response has been lackluster, with street sweepers and maintenance officers visiting the street only about once a month – a frequency that falls far short of what is needed to keep the area safe and accessible. 'If we get 50 to 70ml of rain in a hit, the two drains just block and we could actually be underwater by two or three feet, and then it floods the whole street,' Barlow said, highlighting the urgency of the problem.

The issue has worsened over the last decade, and Barlow believes that a better tree management plan could quickly resolve the problem if the council would remove the blockages beneath the metal ramps that cover the gutters. However, he has seen no evidence of such efforts, and the lack of communication from the council has left him and his neighbors feeling ignored and frustrated.

This leafy debacle is not an isolated incident. Data from the community problem-solving app Snap Send Solve indicates a 97.5 per cent surge in reports of water and sewer issues following heavy rainfall that lashed the east coast in June. It's a stark reminder that what may seem like a small local issue can have broader implications for community safety and well-being.

As we age, the importance of a safe and navigable environment becomes paramount. The residents of Barlow's street, and indeed any neighborhood facing similar issues, deserve to have their concerns taken seriously. It's time for local councils to step up and ensure that the streets we call home are not only beautiful but safe for all.

We at the Seniors Discount Club urge our readers to stay vigilant and report any such hazards in their own neighborhoods. Have you experienced similar issues with street maintenance and safety? Share your stories and let's raise awareness together. It's essential that our voices be heard, and that our streets remain safe for everyone, regardless of age or mobility.

Key Takeaways

• A resident from Albury, NSW, is requesting immediate council action on a 'dangerous' leaf problem causing flooding and hazards in his street.
• Simon Barlow has been struggling with leaf-clogged gutters and has to frequently clear the debris, risking his own safety.
• The issue has become increasingly worse over the last decade, exacerbated by insufficient drainage and tree management.
• Barlow's repeated attempts to address the problem with Albury City council have largely gone unresponded, highlighting a disconnect in addressing community concerns.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Count your blessings. If you want to see REAL slipperyness, try living where there are jacaranda trees!

 

[Rosi Gordon]

I know it's the councils job to keep the gutters clean but in our street everyone sweeps their own as do I so maybe your street can start doing fir your own safety

 

[Hollingworthlake]

I wonder how people who live in countries which have dominantly deciduous trees manage this issue. For example Autumn in England has mounds of leaves falling in September. Perhaps lessons can be learned as to how they deal with them there?

 

[Hollingworthlake]

I wonder how people who live in countries which have dominantly deciduous trees manage this issue. For example Autumn in England has mounds of leaves falling in September. Perhaps lessons can be learned as to how they deal with them there?

 

[Bill MacL]

What we need is an AI robot that knows how to use a broom.

 

[relljube]

Many years ago in Canberra we used to heap the leaves up in the gutter and have a bonfire. The remaining ashes were then sprinkled on the garden to nourish our plants. Unfortunately this has now been banned as the smoke caused some breathing issues for some people. Plane and maple tree leaves are especially slippery and if wet may cause slipping/falling.
It is the Council's responsibility to keep kerb and guttering clear and they should be held accountable for any injury to pedestrians. I am sure they will take notice if they start to get lawsuits being served.

 

[Bill MacL]

Heap them up in the middle of the road, that'll stir the pot.

 

[Jen77au]

Not to mention these leaves are slippery when they’re wet and decomposing!

 

[Luckyus]

Councilare ony there to make sure you pay your exorbitant rates so the overblown Town Councillors/Town Clowns get exorbitant wages, did you honestly they were there to help you, give me your address I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you?

 

[novezar]

An addition to "Bill MacL". Don't forget the pan.