Gravesham Borough Council
Local Authority
Action Taken
AI-generated response summary
• Gravesham Borough Council removed the external concrete steps and platform, bringing the walkway to ground level. • LED strip lighting with sensors and two floodlights with PIR sensors were installed in the bin store area. • A similar external structure on the estate, which had steps, was also removed, bringing access to ground level.
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Dear Sir
Re: Regulation 28 Report to Prevent Future Deaths – Richard Hedges deceased Response of Gravesham Borough Council
I am writing in response to the above Regulation 28 report, to provide details of works undertaken to address your concerns following the conclusion of the inquest into the sad death of Mr Hedges. An action plan was drawn-up immediately following the inquest to determine what works should be carried out to address your concerns and the timescale for these works to be undertaken. A copy of the Action Plan is attached for your information. The decision was taken to remove the steps and platform completely and bringing the walkway back to ground level thereby removing the hazard posed by the steps and also improving access to the bins for wheelchair users.
The types of bins in the storage area will be changing in the near future as there is a requirement to increase recycling within blocks of flats in order to meet the government guidelines. Lighting has been installed within the canopy of the bin store in the form of an LED strip light with sensors so it is triggered as residents enter the bin store. There are also 2 small flood lights with PIR sensors on the car park end of the bin store – these can be seen in the photo below.
During the inquest my officer mentioned that there was another similar structure on the same estate which only had access from steps at one end. These steps have also been removed along with the platform bringing access back down to ground level. The final tarmac floor finish in this area is due to be completed over the next few days. Gravesham Borough Council believes the works undertaken address all the concerns raised in the Regulation 28 report. If you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Re: Regulation 28 Report to Prevent Future Deaths – Richard Hedges deceased Response of Gravesham Borough Council
I am writing in response to the above Regulation 28 report, to provide details of works undertaken to address your concerns following the conclusion of the inquest into the sad death of Mr Hedges. An action plan was drawn-up immediately following the inquest to determine what works should be carried out to address your concerns and the timescale for these works to be undertaken. A copy of the Action Plan is attached for your information. The decision was taken to remove the steps and platform completely and bringing the walkway back to ground level thereby removing the hazard posed by the steps and also improving access to the bins for wheelchair users.
The types of bins in the storage area will be changing in the near future as there is a requirement to increase recycling within blocks of flats in order to meet the government guidelines. Lighting has been installed within the canopy of the bin store in the form of an LED strip light with sensors so it is triggered as residents enter the bin store. There are also 2 small flood lights with PIR sensors on the car park end of the bin store – these can be seen in the photo below.
During the inquest my officer mentioned that there was another similar structure on the same estate which only had access from steps at one end. These steps have also been removed along with the platform bringing access back down to ground level. The final tarmac floor finish in this area is due to be completed over the next few days. Gravesham Borough Council believes the works undertaken address all the concerns raised in the Regulation 28 report. If you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.