Concerns Raised After Woman’s Fatal Pavement Fall in Milton Keynes

The family of Moira Farnell, a 79-year-old woman who tragically died after tripping on a broken pavement outside her home in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, had previously raised concerns about the hazard.

On 18 April, Mrs Farnell suffered a fall that led to a brain bleed, and despite receiving treatment at Milton Keynes University Hospital, she passed away nearly three weeks later on 6 May.

Coroner Tom Osborne highlighted that Mrs Farnell’s family had reported the broken pavement to Milton Keynes City Council before her fall, but no action was taken to repair it. In a Prevention of Future Deaths Report (PFDR), Mr Osborne warned that there is a risk of further incidents unless the council takes action.

The council, while expressing condolences, stated that they are "looking into this tragic case" and assured that they have policies in place to prioritise safety for road and pavement repairs. The council has been given 56 days to respond to the PFDR with details of the actions they plan to take.

Mrs Farnell’s death was officially ruled as an accident during an inquest in July, but the circumstances surrounding her fall have prompted further scrutiny into the council's handling of such hazards. The council also mentioned that they will continue to monitor the footpath as part of their regular inspections.