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Pensioner Richard Sirot wins payout for fall in Deal, but kerb still not repaired two years on

The highways authority has apologised after it paid out thousands in an accident claim, but did not fix the problem.

Kent County Council admitted to the “oversight” where a pavement which caused a pensioner to break his arm two years ago, has still not been fixed.

Richard Sirot, 68, of Sandown Road, Deal, was walking along Blenheim Road in August 2014, when he moved to avoid another pedestrian and slipped on a raised kerb stone, landing flat on his face.

Richard Sirot broke his elbow after tripping over a raised kerb stone two years ago. Picture: Alan Langley
Richard Sirot broke his elbow after tripping over a raised kerb stone two years ago. Picture: Alan Langley

The retired actor, who moonlights as drag queen Dame Gladys for good causes, managed to make it home but soon realised his injuries were more severe than he thought.

His elbow began to swell and X-rays showed he had broken it, leaving him immobile for weeks.

Mr Sirot, who also volunteers in the RSPCA shop in Deal High Street, said: “What concerns me about the kerb stone is if an elderly lady or gentleman trips on that kerb and fell they could break a leg or hip and it could cause them a lot of injury, and if somebody like that takes them to court it could very likely be a lot more money.”

He said the cost of fixing the pavement must be significantly less than a claim from another victim.

After an almost two-year battle with KCC lawyers, Mr Sirot was awarded an undisclosed sum between £5,000 and £15,000 last week.

The pensioner, who also presents Coastal Radio and Deal Community Radio stations, would not discus the figure.

During the weeks following the fall, Mr Sirot was unable to dress or wash himself, or carry on his volunteering. He said this caused him great distress meaning his wife Jacqueline had to look after him.

The kerb has still not been fixed. Picture: Alan Langley
The kerb has still not been fixed. Picture: Alan Langley

After receiving the pay-out, Mr Sirot said he was concerned that KCC has done nothing about the problem.

He also highlighted other kerb stones around Blenheim Road and Beaconsfield Road that could pose a danger.

Murray Evans, press spokesman for KCC said: “We undertook an investigation at this site as soon as we were made aware of Mr Sirot’s accident and, as a result, we arranged for the necessary repairs to be carried out.

“Unfortunately it appears that the works were not carried out as instructed. KCC apologises for this oversight and has instructed that the required remedial works be completed as soon as possible.”

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