Path pledge as cyclist injured

Shropshire County Council officials are to carry out emergency work on a county footpath and cycle route after a cyclist broke his leg trying to avoid a walker.

Angry residents and cyclists criticised the county authority, claiming that the footpath in Shrewsbury which runs from Pimley Manor, in Sundorne, to Telford Way, has not been properly maintained.

George McGrath, of Comet Drive, Ditherington, said that path which is also part of the Route 81 cycle plan, had not been looked after.

He said fellow cyclist Viv Jones had fallen off his bike, injuring his leg while trying to avoid oncoming pedestrians.

Mr McGrath added that the situation was "beyond a joke" as overgrown plants and brambles meant there was not enough space for two people to pass. He said a young girl had also fallen into nettles in a bid to get out of the way of someone.

Borough councillor Malcolm Price has also been enlisted to help and has taken up the matter with the county council.

Mr McGrath said: "The council had the path widened but haven't bothered to maintain it. It's an official bridleway but also part of route 81 which is a cycle lane and there is nowhere for the people to pass.

"Mr Jones fell off and fractured the neck of his femur trying to get out the way but there has also been other accidents including another cyclist who hurt his hand and had to have stitches.

"I have approached the council about this and they don't seem to want to do anything about it. The council gave us a nice surface and everything but just doesn't want to look after it. It's beyond a joke."

But Kevin Jones, enforcement team leader at Shropshire County Council, said maintenance work would now be carried out to improve the footpath.

He said: "As an authority we are responsible for surface clearance on rights of way and we have an awful lot of voluntary groups who assist us.

"It has been cut back twice this year already but it is going to be looked at again soon. The enforcement officer from the area has been in touch with our partners at Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council's countryside service and they are going to clear it up."

By Russell Roberts