A PENSIONER has complained about the dangers of cracked and broken pavements.

Ann Brent, who is in her 70s, is becoming increasingly worried about tripping up over damaged and uneven walkways.

She takes daily strolls round Marsh, but finds her enjoyment is ruined as she sidesteps frequent pitfalls.

She said the greatest risk of a fall was created by "the appalling condition of the pavements in the area".

Mrs Brent asked: "When is Kirklees Council going to stop wasting money on traffic-calming measures - most of which are unnecessary - and give some attention to the needs of pedestrians?"

Kirklees's Ross helpline receives 20,000 calls a year from the public about highways and pavements.

The phone line was set up in the mid-1990s to provide a rapid way of reporting highway dangers.

There are 1,062 miles of roads in the district, with virtually double that distance of pavement in 5,500 streets.

Town centre areas are checked every month for wear, tear and dangers.

Council staff try to check all other areas at least once a year.

Mark Dobson, principal engineer in the council's highways department maintenance section, said the council spent about £10m a year on the upkeep of roads and pavements.

But he said it was important that people rang in.

"We rely on the public reporting anything on our Ross helpline," he added.

He said the council tried to carry out any works within eight weeks and fill in potholes within 24 hours.

The Leisure Services department deals with pathway repairs in parks.

Karen Rukin, customer services manager at Ross, said: "We want as much information about the exact location and type of problem as possible, so we can issue a works order right away."

The Ross 24-hour freephone number 0800 731 8765.

Alternatively, people can e-mail about potholes or similar problems to highway.ross@kirklees.gov.uk