During the past four years Carl and Sally Leonard have watched the grass nature strip in front of their North Street, Forster apartment turn from lush turf into a mud bath or dust bowl - depending on the weather.
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But, that is not their main concern.
They have also witnessed the aged, people with a disability and mums try to negotiate the rough terrain on mobility scooters, pushers, wheelchairs, strollers and crutches, many preferring to tempt fate on the road.
"The footpath is not safe for anyone with a physical disability," Mr Leonard said.
He said the situation became even more risky with some people, looking for a quick caffeine fix from Wingman, parking on the nature strip.
These people selfishly not only blocked entry to adjoining apartment buildings, but once again forced people to walk on the busy road.
Since the cafe opened its doors the unit block's body corporate also made the decision to remove in-ground sprinklers along the nature strip because they too were considered a trip hazard.
Adding to the concern was the speed hump located outside the Wingman Cafe was perceived by many to be a pedestrian crossing.
"I would have thought it would be mandated to have safe access."
Managing agent, Alliance Strata Group senior strata manager, Kirsty Deal echoed Mr Leonard's concerns saying the footpath was not only a trip hazard and safety issue, but it had become an unsightly mess.
"We are worried about injury because of the huge gaps from the sealed section to the grass," she said.
Ms Deal had written to council twice in as many years voicing the concerns of residents in Debra, Hibiscus Court and El Sandi apartment complexes, and asked if the existing footpaths - on the corners of Beach and West streets - could be extended.
Disappointingly the one reply said council would include the information for future planning.
Stage II of the Forster Main Beach Master Plan could help resolve the situation, infrastructure and engineering services director, Robert Scott said. However, that project was not due to get underway any time soon.
Depending on State government grant funding, an overhaul of North Street was not expected to begin for the next 12-18 months.
Plans include the relocation of the grass island in the middle of North Street to the beach and a reconfiguration of parking, streetscaping and general refurbishment.
Mr Scott said the plan was to to maximise both the parking areas and greenspace.
"People don't use that area; people should be able to sit and enjoy the view."
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
