A TEIGNMOUTH woman is demanding action over a 'dangerous' damaged 'private' pavement in the busy town centre.

Sheila Culpeck believes a large hole in the path outside the new shops and flats recently built in Wellington Street on the corner with Orchard Gardens could cause serious injury if anybody tripped.

A dispute about who is responsible is holding up repairs, and Teignbridge council has warned it will take direct action unless something is done soon.

'After the heavy rain the pavement is in a terrible state, and this hole has been there for about four weeks,' said Mrs Culpeck, who lives in Gloucester Road.

'It is a real hazard for pedestrians in the busy road, especially the elderly and infirm, and the blind people who stay at the Cliffden Hotel. Something should be done, and quickly, but I am not getting very far with it at the moment.'

Problems have arisen because the damaged section of pavement is privately owned by the developers of the complex, while the outside strip is the responsibility of the local authority.

'I complained to the county council highways department, who admitted they had received quite a few other complaints, but it was not part of their path.

'I have also contacted the Teignbridge environmental health department because it is so dangerous and is a safety issue, because it is widely used by the public.

'If anybody did injure themselves, then somebody could be facing a big legal claim.'

Tim Borrett, spokesman for Teignbridge Council, said: 'We have been in contact with the owners of the shops and the developers to encourage them to take action over the damaged pavement.

'We understand there is some dispute over the ownership and responsibility for this private land, but it is important that the issue is resolved.

'We continue to monitor the situation and, if required, we may take further action to ensure that those responsible repair the pavement in a timely manner.'

A county council spokesman said: 'The pavement is privately owned, and the owner has been reminded that it is their responsibility, or that of their tenants.'