Residents have warned it is only a matter of time before there is a ‘serious accident’ on a ‘dangerous overgrown’ path in Witney.

The hedges near Sainsbury’s on Witan Way and Station Lane encroach onto the pavement which is split into a pedestrian and cycle path.

Andy Hobday, who lives nearby, said: “The pedestrian path is on the right by the hedge, but you can’t actually see this part of the track anymore. It is so far undercover.

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“It would be impossible for a pedestrian to walk along Witan Way without crashing into some foliage.

“This means that if people are walking along there, they have to move over into the path of the bicycles.

“It is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident there.”

It is the responsibility of Sainsbury’s to cut the overgrown hedges outside the supermarket, but the path is owned by Oxfordshire County Council.

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Mr Hobday explained that the path had been a persistent problem for more than two years and despite raising the issue with elected representatives, he said nothing had been done to resolve the issue.

He added: “If the local council want to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto bikes, they need to ensure that the cycle paths are up to scratch.”

FixMyStreet is a website which allows people to inform their local authority of problems needing attention.

One person commented on the platform about the issue: “The pavement alongside Sainsbury's in Station Lane is severely overgrown forcing pedestrians to walk in the cycle lane with all the dangers that presents.”

Sainsbury’s has said that it is aware of the issue outside the store in Witney.

A company spokeswoman said: “We’re aware of the overgrown hedge on a pathway in the car park of our Witney store.

“We are working hard to resolve this, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Oxfordshire County Council said that one resident had been in touch with them about the overgrown path.

A spokesperson for the county council explained that they can request the landowner to act in circumstances where vegetation blocks access to council owned infrastructure.

They added that a request in this scenario would be made.

The concerns regarding Witan Way and Station Lane in Witney come following similar fears about a cycle and pedestrian path on the A40 near Eynsham.

The route between Witney and Oxford has become overgrown with grass and weeds, forcing pedestrians into the path of cyclists.

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Last week, Councillor Duncan Enright, the cabinet member for travel and development strategy said that investment along the A40 was much needed.

He added: "Our intention is to make it easier to access West Oxfordshire, and to make best use of the funds available to improve bus services and prioritise active travel.

Oxford Mail:

"The new, improved cycle route will offer better and safer facilities for residents and visitors alike.

"Council suggestions include the addition of controlled crossings and upgraded shared-use paths to make walking and cycling safer along the historically congested A40 between Witney and Oxford."