COUNCILLORS and residents in Dawlish are unhappy and angry at the neglect of a footpath between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren.
What was originally a three metre wide path, that was completed by Devon County Council only three months ago, has been completely neglected and is over grown and full of dog muck. Councillors now feel it is a bad advert for Dawlish as many tourists use that path and residents are upset with the lack of access.
Cllr Ted Hockin said: 'I'm getting people knocking on my door to complain regularly. It is a lovely walk but at the moment is covered with dog muck and overgrown with brambles and ferns. It appears to have been totally neglected by the Council.'
A resident of Mount Pleasant Road, Suzy Roger, uses the path to walk her dogs and ride her horse. She has phoned the council four times during the past five weeks and still has not got any results. Even though she has been given numerous dates as to when something will be done, no work has yet been seen and staff have been calling her back to tell her that it is not their problem but a message has been sent to the relevant person.
'They have changed their dates several times and I know that three other people have called in to complain about this as well.' She said.
'I think the service is appalling and they need to decide who is responsible for it without always passing the buck.'
Cllr John Clatworthy said: 'I have spoken to the local service office and arrangements are in hand to cut back the vegetation encroaching on to the path. In the meantime it is worth mentioning that following the work to form the cycle path, bridle path and footpath, nature has played its part to restore the rural nature of this amenity.'