Walker’s dismay over dangerous overgrown verge

Darrell Jenkinson said the pavement beside Hound Hill Road near Bolton and Dearne had not been maintained for so long it had narrowed to half its original width at some points.

He said this made it impossible for oncoming pedestrians, including parents with pushchairs, to pass each other without stepping into the road, where he said vehicles often rushed past at high speed.

Mr Jenkinson said he had repeatedly contacted Doncaster Council and asked them to clear the overgrown grass, soil and other vegetation from beside the road, but without success.

“I’ve been trying since February last year to get this footpath cleared,” he said.

“When I contacted them last spring, they said they couldn’t do anything because birds were nesting.

“I’ve rung them again last autumn and am not getting anywhere.

“You have to walk single file as there are stretches where there are overgrown weeds and leaves and the trees are overhanging that you have to walk in the road.

“There are people with pushchairs who have to give way and step into the road. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Mr Jenkinson said a large amount needed clearing, adding: “It’s not just a case of one or two bags — they need a truck so they can chuck everything on it.”

Doncaster Council has been contacted for comment.