Friargate concerns as paramedics get stuck at new barriers after man collapses

Paramedics were unable to get past the barriers

Concerns have been raised about the new Friargate layout after an ambulance was seemingly blocked from reaching a collapsed patient.

According to one person working on the street, a man collapsed outside a shop along the road but a combination of a badly parked lorry and new barriers meant the ambulance was unable to reach their location.

Instead, the worker – who did not wish to be named – said paramedics had to leave their vehicle at the barriers and take their equipment to the man. Thankfully, his condition was not too severe and he did not need to be taken to hospital.

But the worker said this is the second time they have seen such problems since Friargate’s long delayed redevelopment work was completed, with a fire engine also previously struggling to access an incident.

She said: “Shops have raised this concern numerous times with the council as a few months ago the fire services couldn’t get through either. Something really needs to be done.”

The view of Lancashire County Council is that the side roads leading to Friargate provide adequate access for emergency services and North West Ambulance Service declined to address the issue when approached by Blog Preston.

Recalling the latest incident, which occurred at around 2.30pm on Tuesday, August 13, she said: “There were two ladies in the street panicking saying there was a man in a shop collapsed behind the door, with a man giving chest compressions but he wasn’t sure what he was doing, but they had called an ambulance.”

A passing PCSO was flagged down and headed to help, while others on the street went to ask the lorry driver who was parked by the collapsible barriers to move.

The woman said: “We heard the paramedics complaining to the police that they didn’t know how to get through.

A lorry was parked in front of one set of barriers when the emergency occurred

This has been a big concern for business owners and residents, as, if there is a fire for example, there’s no way to get an engine through. Fortunately it turned out well for the man today but we were really worried about how the lack of access would impact him.”

She added: “The section between Marsh Lane and Ringway is cut off. Businesses struggle with deliveries and service vehicles getting to them and it’s not fair. We were told the new layout wouldn’t affect anything, but it absolutely has.”

A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service did not comment on any difficulties accessing the location but confirmed it had responded to a callout. A spokesperson said: “An ambulance crew responded to the patient requiring medical attention following a call at 14.27. The patient was given some treatment at the scene but wasn’t taken to hospital.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “The bollards that have been installed in Friargate are needed to make the new pedestrianised space a safer space for people to shop, eat, drink and relax.

“We are aware of a recent incident involving the ambulance service and are glad to hear the person did not need to be taken to hospital.

“There are a number of roads leading to Friargate that emergency services can use to be close by when they access this area.

“We are also working with businesses and the City Council to finalise the localised arrangements for access to allow for deliveries and services.”

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