'We will stick the kettle on': Couple's warm welcome for dropped kerb workers

A DISABLED couple who won the right to have a dropped kerb outside their home say they will put the kettle on and get the biscuits ready for the workmen who install it.

Pietro Bellato and his wife Angela of Goldsmith Road, Blackpole, have been told work on the dropped kerb outside their home could begin as soon as this Monday.

The big-hearted couple has promised a warm welcome for workers when they arrive after we revealed they would not have to pay a bill of £33,000 for the kerb.

Mrs Bellato said: "It's not the workers fault. I'm very willing to make them a cup of tea or coffee."

Mr Bellato said: "And I will get them a few biscuits as well. I will give them a good choice of biscuits."

WIN: Pietro Bellato was 'very happy' with the result over the dropped kerb (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

As previously reported, Mr Bellato, 72, had already forked out £3,074 from his savings for the dropped kerb, paid directly to county council contractor Ringway.

But he and his wife were gobsmacked to receive a further estimate of £33,000 because the work would involve diverting 'shallow' fibre optic cables.

The retired floor layer and his wife said the estimate for the work was more than the £35,000 they originally paid for the semi-detached house in 1996.

Cllr Jill Desayrah, who has lobbied Worcestershire County Council on their behalf, has now been told that county council contractor Ringway and CityFibre have found a solution - and the Bellatos will not be charged any extra than what they have paid.

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"I'm delighted for you both - this is exactly what you need and deserve," said Cllr Desayrah.

Mr Bellato said previously: "I feel so happy and relieved. It's a weight off my mind. When Cllr Desayrah called me it made me smile and I'm very, very happy.

"People were telling me to give up but I said 'I don't want to give up'. It was with the help of everybody, especially Jill (Desayrah).

Mr Bellato, who has battled cancer and is waiting to see a specialist about a major hernia while his wife Angela also suffers with mobility issues - she needs a hip replacement and suffers from scoliosis (a twisted spine) and spondylosis.