Pensioner can't leave home because of 'obstacle course' outside

Madeleine Carter has lived at Whitebeam Court in Motum Road in Norwich for the last 25 years.

But her son Paul Carter says the maintenance of the outside area — and as a result his mum's physical and mental health — has gone "seriously downhill".

Madeleine Carter, 84, said she was scared to leave the house. This is her in May before she required a walker and could still use her sticks (Image: Archant)

The retired wholesaler said: "This is a court for the elderly and disabled and it's being left to rot. It's an absolute disgrace.

"My mum went into hospital a couple of months ago. In the six weeks since she's been back, she hasn't left the house once.

"She used to have sticks but now she has a walker. It doesn't even move over the ground because it's that uneven."

Madeleine Carter and her son Paul said issues at Whitebeam Court had been going on for months (Image: Paul Carter)

Hanging branches at Whitebeam Court in Norwich (Image: Paul Carter)

The main issues at the court relate to wonky and broken pavement slabs, dumped rubbish blocking walkways, rotten and broken benches, overhanging trees and a general lack of maintenance - with the council promising to get to the work soon.

Mr Carter said his mum was living in "fear" and had become completely reliant on himself and his wife Linda.

The 84-year-old said she had already suffered multiple falls on account of the rough terrain and low-lying hazards, explaining: "It feels like an obstacle course out there. I don't trust myself going outside anymore."

Mr Carter said he'd asked the council to take urgent action in May, which resulted in officers cordoning off the dodgy pavements and benches — but "nothing else".

Madeleine Carter and her son Paul said issues at Whitebeam Court had been going on for months (Image: Paul Carter)

A Norwich City Council spokeswoman disputed Mr Carter's accusations that his mum was being "ignored".

However the spokeswoman explained the work required sat outside of routine maintenance and the council needed time to arrange a plan with contractors.

She assured the family: "Since visiting Whitebeam Court to discuss residents' concerns, officers have arranged for improvements such as resurfacing with tree protection and replacement of benches.

"That work is due to begin imminently.

"We thank residents for their patience and hope the changes improve the look and feel of the area surrounding their home."

Rubbish in the walkways at Whitebeam Court (Image: Paul Carter)

Paul Carter said the paving slabs were a hazard at Whitebeam Court (Image: Paul Carter)

She added that homeowners were always encouraged to contact the council about improvements needed in their local area.