Runners fume as long grass makes Chippenham footpath 'impassable'

A local runner, who wishes to remain anonymous, from Frogwell, Chippenham, uses the footpath alongside the A420, between Bumpers Farm Roundabout and the turning to Yatton Keynell, for her daily run.

But she and her husband have recently been forced to take to the main road, after the public footpath became blocked by sections of long grass and vegetation near MJ Church.

The pair have reported the issue to Wiltshire Council three times, via the MyWilts app, but were left disappointed when the case was reportedly closed with some sections remaining untrimmed.

She said: “It happens every year because the council don’t properly maintain the stretch of path from Bumpers Farm to Yatton Keynell.

“In parts it’s so overgrown that the path has nearly disappeared and it’s really frustrating because you can’t use it.

“We’ve had to run on a very busy road because you physically can’t get through it and it’s not pleasant.”

The overgrown vegetation (Image: Caroline Clarkson)

At first the local runner tried to battle through the long grass, but a tick bite has left her unwilling to brave it again.

“I’m now under medication for the tick bite as a result of running through the long grass”, she added.

“I’ve had to have three weeks of taking antibiotics and I need a blood test to determine whether I have Lyme Disease.

“I’m hesitant to run through it again, and I can do other runs but why should I have to when I pay my council tax and it’s a public footpath?”

As well as hindering joggers, she fears the overgrown vegetation is blocking the view of both pedestrians and motorists at crossings in the area, making them dangerous.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, the cabinet member for transport, insisted that the council have been working to clear the problem areas.

She added, however, that some of this work would have to be carried out later in the summer for health and safety reasons.

She said: “We are aware of the issues caused by overgrown vegetation on the A420 and have recently cleared sections of this footway. We have also liaised with local landowners to ensure encroaching vegetation from adjacent properties is cleared.

“With regards to the section from MJ church to the turning into Yatton Keynell, for health and safety reasons this work has been programmed to take place during the school summer holidays when traffic volumes are at a reduced level.”

Update: Since this story was published the grass alongside the A420 has been cut back.