Byford resident Rod Prouse has raised concerns about the neglect of a well-liked local bushland patch, popular among Byford residents.
Having lived in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale for more than 40 years, Mr Prouse has often enjoyed strolls through the Old Brickworks Reserve between Millbrace Glen and Nettleton Road, east of Byford town centre, where he says many people take their dogs for a walk.
Formerly the location of the iconic Byford Brickworks Bridge, now home to a well-known artwork, Mr Prouse claims the area has become unsafe to traverse, particularly among the older demographic.
“What I asked the shire to do was to level the bank, maybe put a handrail there. Another bloke, Peter Godden, asked for some signage to direct people where to go and warn them about the cliff. All they put up were footpaths directing people down towards the creek, but this is only on one side of the creek. They haven’t worried about the other side, which is atrocious.
“We’re all getting older here, and if they don’t keep their maintenance up, there will be real problems in the area, especially considering how often people walk, and ride pushbikes and motorbikes, along these paths,” he said.
Motorbikes are prohibited in the Old Brickworks Reserve, but Mr Prouse emphasised that he sees them every day nonetheless.
Having written to their Shire Operations Team, and several councillors, regarding his concerns, Mr Prouse said the case has been closed and will not be further investigated.
“The ground where that sign is, is very uneven. They need to make the other side of the area where their sign is, on the left of it, more level, so people can walk safely.
Mr Prouse has stated that he will keep pushing for a change.
