Physiotherapists are warning that older people are at risk from unnecessary falls this winter because of broken and uneven pavements. Figures published today by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) show that 24 per cent of pavements in England are in need of repair and maintenance.

With the added hazards that winter weather conditions can bring, the CSP is calling on local authorities to carry out the necessary repairs, and asking older people to take extra care when walking outside.

The figures reveal that older people in Yorkshire and Humberside could be most at risk - the region has the highest percentage of pavements that need structural maintenance at 33 per cent. The North East has the lowest percentage at 19 per cent.

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Help the Aged have carried out research showing that 2.5 million people aged over 65 in the UK have fallen to the ground due to damaged or uneven pavements. Research shows that physiotherapy plays a key role in falls prevention amongst people aged 65 and over. According to physios, people in this age group are most at risk of falling due to reduced balance, loss of muscle strength and declining eyesight. Other factors include reduced reactions, existing health problems like stroke and heart conditions, and side effects of medication.

Vicki Goodwin, spokesperson for the CSP and Chair of AGILE (Chartered Physiotherapists working with Older People), said: "Prevention would of course be easier if everyone could feel confident that public pavements and walkways were not presenting a hazard, especially in the winter months when ice and winds can make more vulnerable people feel unsteady."

Help the Aged is supporting the CSP's call for better maintenance of England's pavements. Pamela Holmes, Help the Aged Head of Healthy Ageing Programme, said: "The CSP figures show the appalling state of paving in the UK which we know is a major cause of falls and hospitalisation for older people. Older people should not have to live in fear of falling on dangerous footpaths when they leave home."

CSP analysis of data on footways requiring structural maintenance is drawn from the latest Local Government Compendium for 2005/06 compiled by the Audit Commission.

(GK)