Residents are worried as a fallen tree blocks a footpath, raising safety issues with the council unable to trace the landowner
Washford: So, there’s this big issue with some dead trees near a footpath that folks are really worried about. The Somerset Council says they don’t own the land where these trees are, which is a bit of a head-scratcher.
Recently, one of these trees fell during Storm Darragh, blocking the path and causing some damage. Residents have been sounding the alarm for two years about these trees, saying they’re a real safety risk, but it seems like no one’s been listening.
Even though the council owns the railway line above, they claim they’re not responsible for the trees below. Pat Howard, who lives nearby, is frustrated. He’s asking why the council hasn’t put up any safety signs since the path is blocked.
He pointed out that if someone gets hurt because of these trees, the council might be held responsible since they know about the danger now. A spokesperson from the council said they’re aware of the situation and will deal with the fallen tree soon, but they can’t track down the landowner of the embankment.
They advised people to steer clear of paths near woods during windy weather. Meanwhile, the local parish council has reported the fallen tree and is pushing for action. They’re hoping to get the investigation back on track to figure out who owns the land.
Management for nearby flats is also concerned, saying all the warnings about the trees were ignored, leading to this dangerous situation. They believe the council should ensure the path is safe for walkers, regardless of who owns the land.
It’s a tricky situation, and many are hoping for a quick resolution before something worse happens.
