Overgrown scenic path in Bridgnorth leads to row
A row is brewing over the state of a walkway offering views once described by King Charles I as the finest in his domain.
Residents claim overgrown bushes and trees along Castle Walk in Bridgnorth are putting tourists off visiting the area.
The walkway, which takes people around the castle grounds from the top of Bridgnorth Cliff Railway and overlooks Low Town, the River Severn and miles of surrounding countryside, has attracted numerous complaints for more than a year.
Shropshire Council said money was now available to tidy up the eyesore but all parties are yet to confirm a date for the work to begin – despite Britain in Bloom judges visiting the town today.
The council has also written to private landowners calling for any overgrown trees to be cut back. But if the authority is eventually forced to carry out the work residents could be charged for it.
Robert Baker, of Orchard Drive, said: "Last week I took some visitors from Cornwall along Castle Walk with the sole intention of showing them the 'spectacular' views overlooking the river and Low Town.
"I was amazed to find only a small glimpse of the aforementioned is now possible from a position close to the cliff railway.
I found it quite embarrassing to have promised so much and been able to show so little."
Steve Jevons, of St Nicholas Road, said: "With the Britain in Bloom reps judging the town I would like to ask why is it that parts of the town are trimmed and kept neat and tidy.
"This includes the castle grounds, the High Street and West Castle Street, where the judges walk. Yet it seems Castle Walk is in a shocking state, very overgrown and looking shabby."
Dr Malvern Tipping, owner of the railway, said he was aware of the concerns but also the financial constraints on the council.
He said: "We have had a number of passengers complain about the views being obstructed."
Councillor Max Mackenzie, who sits on Bridgnorth Town Council, said: "I was hoping it would have been done before the start of the main tourist season because it is in a right state."
Tom Brettell, senior community enablement officer at Shropshire Council, said: "We have finances in place to fund a clear-up and to work with partners and landowners around ongoing maintenance. We are just waiting on confirmation of the dates."
