Husband ‘destroyed’ after wife of nearly 40 years dies slipping on ice

A devastated man whose wife died after slipping on ice claims had the street been gritted the tragic accident could have been avoided.

Brian Charleson, from Bootle, Liverpool, had said his life had been "destroyed" after Jean slipped on Park Street in January 2019, leaving her with a broken hip, reported the Echo.

Jean, 59, died of complications in August 2019 after spending seven months in hospital.

Mr Charleson said: "Jean slipped on some ice in January 2019 and I got a phone call to come down to Park Street.

"She was laying there and we had to wait an hour and half for an ambulance.

"I took off my coat to get some warmth on her, she was in hospital for seven months and I had to take time off work to look after her.

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"She had broken her hip and died in August 2019 after complications."

Heartbroken Mr Charelson explained that it was a busy street on a main bus route, on a hill and close to amenities that lots of people visit, such as the two GP surgeries and he believes, because of this, it should be gritted by the council.

He added: "The street is on a bus route, there are two GP surgeries, sheltered accommodation and lots of older people live there.

"I've lost so much, all for a bit of grit.

"It needs to be gritted. I asked the council if it was due to cut backs and they replied it wasn't.

"There were people slipping and falling all around her."

Mr Charleson claims he spoke to Sefton Council about why the street was not gritted but claims the local authority said it did not need to be.

The couple should've been celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this August after meeting at school.

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The 59-year-old said the loss of his wife "destroyed him" and at one point his mental health was so poor he was sectioned after a suicide attempt.

He said: "It destroyed me. I lost my sister, my wife and then my job."

Mr Charleson said he had also sought advice from a union solicitor and his local MP.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to Mrs Charleson's family at this difficult time.

"During periods of bad weather our Highways teams grit over 470km of carriageway and major streets throughout the borough as part of our Winter Service Policy.

"In accordance with national guidelines, priority must be given to major carriageways and footways.

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"It is not possible for the council to grit every road and footway.

"Sefton Council works closely with a number of partners to offer wellbeing support services for residents in the borough and we would encourage anybody who needs help to contact any of the organisations below."

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