Dog walkers battle through Southport jungle

Dog walkers battle through jungle 

Angry walkers and dog owners are battling a new Southport ‘jungle’ in their attempts to exercise themselves and their pets.

Marshside residents have complained to Councillor Pat Keith that the narrow public footpath that leads from Fleetwood Road to open land close to the RSPB Sanctury has become totally overgrown with an undergrowth of stinging nettles.

“I am disgusted that Sefton Council have allowed the path to degenerate into this state” said local dog walker Edna Shillito.

“Medical professionals recommend strongly that we take walks to stay healthy and yet it seems we are blocked whichever way we turn and it’s becoming extremely restrictive for dog owners.

“We are now forbidden to walk the dogs on the beach, the whole area around Royal Birkdale is now out of bounds until the end of August and now our local path is almost impenetrable. It’s like a jungle.”

Mrs Shillito called in Councillor Keith in a bid for the council to open up the path by cutting back shrubs and treating weeds and nettles.

“When I arrived for a site inspection I was shocked at the extent the path was overgrown, causing great problems for people and their dogs, “ said Councillor Keith .

“But I was even more shocked when, on contacting the Council, I was told they had no plans to cut it back until late August, by which time the summer is over. Obviously I protested at this and we now wait to see what happens.”

Another resident and dog owner, Ian Currie, said: “ It’s becoming impossible to walk down the path. Every step you take you either walk into a branch or get stung by a nettle. It’s important to all of us in this area that the council sort it out as soon as possible. For us it’s urgent.”