Ramblers in Abingdon have called for action to clear a footpath in the town that has become overgrown and is almost impassable for walkers.

Secretary of the Oxfordshire Ramblers Association Pat Lonergan says the path, linking Drayton Road to the meadows near the River Ock, is impassable.

The town councillor, of Cherwell Close, said: "The county council is the highway authority and as such responsible, by statute, for ensuring that all public rights of way in its territory are available for the public to use and enjoy.

"This is an important path.

"It provides a traffic-free route for people on foot from the roads north of Mill Road and from the centre of Abingdon to the countryside of the Ock valley.

"It is in fact the only public path going south-west from the town to the meadows of the Ock.

"It is has been allowed to fall into an appalling condition."

County council countryside field officer Mark Sumner said: "I can well understand the frustrations that have been expressed.

"We are planning a clean-up later in the year in association with the Vale of White Horse District Council.

"A problem we have faced in this area is the amount of fly-tipping."