A mum still not back on her feet after slipping on leaves two years ago has demanded Kirklees Council take action to tackle the problem.
Sandra Bradshaw, a single mum and full-time carer to autistic son Connor, said she had been left hardly able to walk, unable to take her son out and was still in “horrible” pain.
Sandra slipped on leaves in Bradley Boulevard, Sheepridge, two years ago but now faces surgery.
Kirklees Council maintains it is on top of the problem and sends out over 100 staff every autumn to clear up fallen leaves.
Sandra, who lives with her son in Deighton, said: “I was walking to pick my son up from school when I slipped on the leaves and got a deep abrasion in my left knee which then got infected.
“It has swollen up three times and it’s just got worse so I was referred to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary this summer, and doctors say they need to operate to repair damaged cartilage. I’ve been on strong painkillers ever since.
“I know leaf falls are a force of nature but it’s left me scared about going out and think that the council should have cleaned them up as they are a massive safety risk.
“It could’ve been even worse if it had happened to an older person and something needs to be done to stop this from happening again, especially because residents pay council tax to fund these services and they just pay no attention to the knock on effects these accidents could cause.”
She also said that the accident had made it hard to care for her son.
Sandra, 50, said: “I’ve not even been able to take my son to the park for two years and because of his autism he just doesn’t understand why he can’t go, even though he needs one-to-one care.
“He’s now going to have to be taken into care whilst I recover, which is heartbreaking, it’s all just become too much to bear.”
She submitted a complaint and two claims against Kirklees Council, all of which they have rebuffed, and now intends to seek legal advice to take her case forward.
Sandra said: “I just want them to accept responsibility and address the issue to keep people safe in the future.”
Kim Brear, assistant director for place at Kirklees Council, said: “Every autumn our street cleaning teams are organised to clear leaves from our roads and streets.
“The operation begins in October, lasts for over two months, and involves over 100 staff.”
On the claim a council spokesman added: “The council considers claims on a case by case basis, and each case is considered in accordance with Civil Procedure Rules.
“If a claimant feels that the case has not been considered fairly, and that the council has acted negligently, they are free to seek independent legal advice.”
