Legs Lane is a small laneway that runs between Leamington Street and Barton Street in Reservoir. It is a popular walking route to and from Reservoir Primary School for hundreds of trips each day. It is also used by many other residents going to and from the Reservoir shops, the train station, and the library.
Despite heavy foot traffic, Legs Lane has been neglected by the Council and remains a muddy dirt path that fills with water in winter. It regularly features weeds like blackberries that have been known to scratch kids and has become a hotspot for rubbish dumping due to its neglected condition.
It is difficult or impassable for smaller kids on scooters and bikes, as well as wheelchair users and parents with prams, depending on the weather and the depth of water and mud.
Despite this, it is promoted as part of the Victorian Government's Octopus Schools Program, which aims to encourage active travel options for school families.
The Reservoir Primary School community has raised this issue with Darebin Council, but there has been no progress in securing a commitment to complete this important active transport route in a busy part of our suburb.
Reservoir kids - and the whole community - deserve better. It would not take much money or time to seal Legs Lane and maintain it as other popular non-car thoroughfares are managed throughout the rest of Darebin.
