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Trapped: Mick Sharp behind the ‘Berlin Wall’ of Barriers |
‘Berlin Wall of barriers means I’m stranded’
Railings put an extra 15 minutes on a 30-second scooter journey for 84-year-old war hero
A DECORATED war veteran says he has been made a prisoner in his own estate thanks to a “Berlin Wall” of barriers which block his disability scooter.
Mick Sharp, 84, bought his scooter two years ago after losing a leg through diabetes.
But he can only get out of the Redbrick Estate, in Bath Street, Finsbury, through one exit, as every other way out is blocked by barriers designed to stop motorbikes speeding through the estate.
The barriers may be effective in keeping motorbikes out but they also block mothers with double buggies, people in wheelchairs and people on mobility scooters.
Mr Sharp, who was awarded a Burma Star for his service in the navy during the Second World War, said: “I’m trapped. Why are we invalid scooter users prisoners on the Redbrick Estate?
“About 18 months ago one of my friends tried to get through and he got stuck. They had to pull and push to get him out.”
Mr Sharp ran the Nag’s Head pub in Chapel Market for 15 years.
He said: “It was the best pub in Chapel Market. We knew every stallholder, and every villain. Unfortunately my wife died there and I had a couple of years on my own and that was the end of it.”
Then seven years ago doctors told him his leg would have to be amputated because of his diabetes.
He said: “I was getting about alright with my false leg but then my back started to go. Someone suggested getting a scooter but then I found I was worse off.
“I’m restricted to going out through Old Street, Bath Street and Lever Street. I can’t visit any friends and my friends can’t come to me.
“We’ve got a little club here – we have luncheon clubs, shopping trips – but with the scooter I don’t have to rely on anyone. I’m a free agent.
“Scooters are a great thing but you don’t see anyone on this estate with one because they can’t use it. I’m 84, but I feel 54. I do my own washing, ironing, everything myself. I’ve always been independent.”
The Tribune witnessed Mr Sharp’s ordeal firsthand on Tuesday as he demonstrated how what would normally be a 30-second journey was turned into a 15-minute trek around numerous streets as he avoided the barriers on the estate.
This paper also saw another pensioner struggle to manoeuvre an even smaller scooter through the barriers, making a 13-point turn around the railings to eventually get through the gaps.
Resident Danny Unstead described the barriers as the “Berlin Wall”.
The barriers were put up five years ago by the tenant management organisation (TMO) but Homes for Islington (HfI), who run the borough’s housing stock, have this week promised to measure the railings and try to find a solution.
Islington Council have agreed to look at another barrier, outside the nearby Finsbury Leisure Centre.
A spokesman for HfI said: “The gates on the estate were installed about by the TMO as part of safety measures to stop motorbikes riding through the estate.
“HfI staff have met Mr Sharp to discuss the problem and have already arranged some changes for him. We are looking at how we can adjust the gates so that they are more accessible but still prevent motorbikes getting through.
“We are getting some costs and proposals for changes this week and will be looking to carry out the work in the new year.”
Islington Council environment chief councillor Greg Foxsmith said: “We are working hard to improve the lives of disabled people including making our streets more accessible. So I was very concerned to hear Mr Sharp’s journey is being made more difficult.
“I am offering to meet with Mr Sharp to see in person what the problems are and what we can do to help him get about while continuing to deter anti-social behaviour.” |
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