Pavements and path covered in mud

Dear National Highways Team,

I am writing as a concerned parent of a student who attends Monks Walk School, to formally raise an issue regarding the condition of the pavement and adjoining pathway between the Welwyn Village Fire Station and the rear entrance of Monks Walk School.

Over recent weeks, this route has become extremely muddy, affecting both the tarmac pavement and the unpaved path after it, leading to the school. The mud is being spread across the pavement itself, making the entire route slippery, unsanitary, and increasingly unsafe. As a result, children walking to school are arriving covered in mud before the school day has even begun, with shoes and clothing being repeatedly damaged and ruined.

Beyond the inconvenience, this raises genuine safety concerns. The muddy surface becomes particularly hazardous in wet or cold conditions, increasing the risk of slips and falls for children, parents, and other pedestrians using this route. Given that this is a well-used school route, the current state of the pavement is unacceptable and does not meet the standard expected for a pedestrian pathway used daily by young people.

I respectfully request that this issue is addressed as a matter of urgency, whether through clearing the accumulated mud, improving drainage, or resurfacing the affected sections to prevent the problem from recurring. As parents, we rely on key walking routes such as this to be safe, clean, and fit for purpose, especially during the school term.

I would appreciate confirmation that this concern has been noted and details of any planned remedial action. Thank you for taking the time to consider this matter, and I hope to see a prompt resolution in the interest of children’s safety and wellbeing.

Thank you