A DANGEROUS path used by Brixington pensioners to access bus services, has not been maintained for over four years residents have complained.

A 'DANGEROUS' path used by Brixington pensioners to access bus services, has not been maintained for over four years residents have complained.

The path, behind Hayley Close, is a vital link between the Dartline service in Partridge Road and the Stagecoach service in Spiders Lane.

But subsidence has caused parts of the concrete surface to stick out, causing a hazard; while the path is steep, poorly-lit and slippery because of a leaky drain.

And elderly residents cannot even use the handrail to steady themselves because, in places, it is behind four feet of overgrown bushes.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Pauline Turnbull said: "It's so difficult to walk down to the bus. I am always worried I am going to slip and fall."

Dennis Huntley, 64 of Hayley Close said: "We have lived here for four years and the path has never been maintained.

"We have called the council (both the county and district councils) repeatedly and nothing gets done.

Lynda Huntley, 62, added: "It's well used and the only the way to get to the buses.

"But it's got to the point that, if you go out for a walk, you have to take a pair of secateurs with you.

"The path is only a foot-wide in some places. We pay council tax and have to do it ourselves."

Resident Jack Hardman said "It's dangerous and it's only a matter of time before someone slips and falls."

A spokesman for East Devon District Council said the path was not their responsibility, while Devon County Council has not yet responded to the concerns.

Town councillor David Chapman, Chairman of Brixington Improvement Group, said: "We will look to get this on the agenda for the next meeting.

"There may be the possibility that we can join with the Tidy Group to clear the area in the first instance.

"We will also need to sort out the issue of ownership to ensure long term maintenance of steps so that local residents can use the path.