River wall made safe

Thursday April 23, 2009

A low riverside wall which contributed to several serious accidents has finally been railed off.

Local campaigners, backed by H&F Council, have fought for three years to improve safety on the riverside path at Rosebank Wharf in Fulham.

The 10-inch high flood defence barrier, off Holyport Road in Fulham, has been the scene of several incidents where residents have fallen over the wall, plummeting about 12 feet. One lady, 92 year-old Joyce Howitt, died after falling off her mobility scooter in August 2006.

Following the incidents the council lobbied the owners of the wall – Rosebank Wharf Limited – to erect the railings along the 75 metre stretch. The railings were put up at the end of March at a total cost of £25,000. It is hoped that the railings will stop more people from stumbling into the river.

H&F Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Nicholas Botterill, said: “Residents will now be able to stroll along the path and enjoy the river walk without worrying about their safety. As a council, we have been pushing for a solution to this hazardous stretch of river wall for some time and are thrilled that the railings are now up.”

Improvements to the Thames Path are ongoing, if you have any suggestions for possible works you can contact Annelise Johns, in the council’s highways department on 020 8753 3005 or email Annelise.Johns@lbhf.gov.uk.