Overgrown footpaths and cycleways in Sefton are forcing residents with mobility issues, those using pushchairs, or cyclists into potentially hazardous situations, local people have reported. The vegetation has narrowed paths to about a metre in some areas, making it impossible for two people to pass safely.
Residents Share Concerns in Kew
In Kew, Neil Shallcross, 65, described the overgrown cycle lane and footpath on Bentham's Way as a safety concern. His partner Yvonne relies on a mobility scooter after a stroke. He told the ECHO: "Going outside even when your mobility is limited is good for you. You basically wait for summer because winter's not as much fun on a mobility scooter, so we like to take advantage of summer and take our little dog with us."
However, the couple often cannot use the pavement due to overgrowth. Shallcross explained: "The width of the pavements were originally plenty wide enough, probably well over two metres wide, now because of the growth of the weeds, they're about a metre wide. If you meet someone coming in the opposite direction, you can't pass. It's an ongoing problem every year. They might cut the weeds back down, but you have to clear what's underneath off the footpath."
Path Between Town Lane and Scarisbrick New Road
Shallcross also highlighted a path between Town Lane and Scarisbrick New Road, behind Southport Hospital, calling it "virtually impassable now." He added: "You have to plan your route, there are only certain routes you can physically get past." The ECHO visited the cut-through and found only about a metre of the three-metre-wide pathway was walkable, making it impossible to pass others without stepping into vegetation.
A man who frequently walks there said: "It's getting bad. Overall, the path is plenty wide enough, but the weeds have grown fast. If they cut it back and cleared the trimmings it would be sufficient. We do quite a lot of walking and my wife sometimes brings clippers and cuts back the brambles so they're not coming onto the path."
Councillor Calls for Action
Mike Kirby, a Kew Liberal Democrat councillor, noted that the side of Bentham's Way near Dobbies Garden Centre has a marked cycleway now hidden in undergrowth. He said the council cut back some greenery but did not remove foliage at the roots. Cllr Kirby stated: "This road has clearly been neglected since its creation. I went to the cycle path myself, took my spade to the foliage and it's clear that the path should go well beyond its current parameters. It's a disgrace that it's been allowed to fall into such an overgrown state and is at present only half of its intended width." He added: "For mobility scooters, there's virtually no room. They are riding on the edge of the curb, and it's quite a busy road. There's not much margin for error."
Council Response and Weed Spraying Delays
Sefton Council's second of four weed sprays this year is ongoing. The eight-week process began in March but has been delayed by prolonged wet weather. The council said it has instructed contractors to accelerate the programme. Cabinet member for street scene Cllr Peter Harvey said: "We understand the frustration this issue has caused in the affected areas and thank residents for their patience."
Housing and Highways Cabinet member Phil Hart has raised concerns about overgrown vegetation along Park Lane in Maghull, which has been temporarily closed for safety reasons. He acknowledged residents are "frustrated" with grass cutting standards, noting that double the number of complaints received in all of 2025 have already been filed this year. He said the current contract will end soon, providing an opportunity to review the service with clearer standards and accountability.
Lydiate Canal Towpath Issues
In Lydiate, Independent councillor Sonia Crompton raised concerns about the canal towpath, where potholes and untended foliage pose risks to runners, walkers, cyclists, and people with pushchairs or wheelchairs. She told the ECHO: "My main concern is the failing embankment, because you can't see with the overgrown path where the actual path ends and the water begins. It needs to be tidied up. I've seen someone's dog fall into the water when sniffing."
Cllr Crompton also highlighted potholes along the path, saying: "I'm concerned about runners and people with disabilities. Runners could easily go over on their ankle and in some parts when it's rained you can't get around the puddles." Local walker Kevin Hughes, who walks his dog twice daily, told the ECHO: "The potholes are disgraceful when it's wet. If someone is coming past you've either have to get in the bush and get soaked or jump in the canal!"
Cllr Crompton added that a lack of bins encourages fly-tipping, posing risks to wildlife and the community. She has spoken with the Canal & River Trust about maintenance. She acknowledged constraints on trimming vegetation during bird nesting but urged winter cutting to improve path width for summer.
The ECHO found that the towpath is only passable in single file, forcing people to step onto a narrow verge when passing. Another dogwalker asked: "If you come along here and there's a cyclist coming, where do you go? Dive into the bush?"
Canal & River Trust Statement
A spokesperson for the Canal & River Trust said their volunteers face an "unrelenting" task maintaining canals. They added: "Our grass cutters are currently making their way along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and should reach this stretch of towpath in Sefton within a week, and our teams will tackle the overhanging vegetation in the winter." Regarding towpath conditions, they said: "In this area, money from the local authority has been allocated for the repair of the canal bank at Bell's Lane Swing Bridge and agreed with Sefton Council. These repairs are essential to protect the canal infrastructure. Any money that's left over will be used to purchase stone to repair potholes along the towpath." On fly-tipping, they noted: "When it comes to illegal fly tipping, this is such a selfish activity with our charity so often left with ugly mess and the ridiculous expense of clearing it up."
The ECHO also contacted Sefton Council for comment.
