An elderly Greenock man has told the Tele that piles of autumn leaves on the street outside his home have left him “frightened” of slipping and falling when he goes out for a walk.

Michael Doherty of Regent Court has raised concerns that he and other residents could come to grief on the large piles of leaves which he said were covering the pavement and underpass at nearby Regent Street.

Inverclyde Council stepped in to clear the slippery leaves after Mr Doherty raised his concerns with the Telegraph.

But the council admits that it only carries out inspections and clean-ups every four weeks as required.

Michael Doherty says piles of slippery leaves on the pavement and underpass near his Greenock home have left him frightened to go for a walk in case he slips and falls.Michael Doherty says piles of slippery leaves on the pavement and underpass near his Greenock home have left him frightened to go for a walk in case he slips and falls. (Image: George Munro) And the 84-year-old is now seeking an assurance from local authority officials that the area will be cleared regularly as the weather gets colder and the risk of pedestrians slipping and falling on the treacherous surface grows bigger.

He said: “There are people in the flats who are older than me, and when they are walking along the pavement to get the bus, if they have to rush they could slip and fall.

“My daughter has a walking stick and last week she came to visit me and she said, ‘dad, I was feart to walk along the pavement’.”

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Mr Doherty worked in the building trade before retiring and says that a ‘safety first’ approach was standard at places where he worked to minimise the risk.

“It doesn't matter what shoes you have on,” he added. ”If it is raining you can easily fall. It doesn't even matter what age you are.

“They [council street cleaning workers] have swept some of the leaves but it looks like they have just been pushed to the side with a leaf blower. It should all be cleared.”

Mr Doherty says more regular cleaning is essential as the pavement and underpass turn into a ‘mess’ when fallen leaves pile up and make the area hazardous for pedestrians.

Piles of slippery leaves on the pedestrian underpass near Regent Court have left resident Michael Doherty fearing for his, and others', safety.Piles of slippery leaves on the pedestrian underpass near Regent Court have left resident Michael Doherty fearing for his, and others', safety. (Image: Contributed) A spokesperson from Inverclyde Council told the Tele: “The council is responsible for the underpass and the immediate surrounding areas.

“They were cleared of leaves [on Tuesday, November 12] and are usually inspected and cleaned as required every four weeks as part of the cleaning schedule.

“The area around the building itself and also the car park are not the council’s responsibility.”