WILTSHIRE’s Council’s response to complaints about an overgrown footpath behind homes in Trowbridge has been criticised by residents affected by the “jungle” this week.

Judy Croker told the Wiltshire Times last week that the footpath behind her property - connecting Manor Road and Talbot Road - had become a nightmare and said she had contacted the council on numerous occasions.

However, a spokesman for the council said it had received “no reports of the footway at this location being obstructed by vegetation”, before adding that it would inspect the area and cut any shrubs hindering the public from using the path.

That response is now being disputed by those living in the area, including Mrs Croker’s neighbour Rob Mainwaring, who initially contacted the council through its online service.

“I first contacted the council around April and received no response from the online service on the council’s website,” said Mr Mainwaring. “I was then given the run around by several departments as no one wanted to take responsibility.

“After I got nowhere with the council I contacted our MP Andrew Murrison and finally got a written response from the council saying that nothing would be done as a result of cut backs.

“It is incredibly annoying when we know that we have contacted them and I have a written response from them, yet they are denying that anyone else has complained.

“It really is frustrating more than anything as they have acknowledged it is there problem, but won’t do anything about it. What are we paying our council tax for? It is getting to the point where it is growing through my fence and causing damage.”

Mrs Croker believes the issue started when Balfour Beatty took on the £150m five-year highways and streetscene contract in 2013, with the footpath only cleared once last year.

“For the council to say they have had no reports is ridiculous,” said Mrs Croker. “It seems like they are just trying to ignore the issue and if they don’t want to be responsible for it then give it to us and we will sort it out.”

Another neighbour Teresa Miszta, who lives in Talbot Road, said: “The council said that no one complained, but I have complained on at least three occasions and had one council man tell me it wasn’t their issue.

“It is disgusting that they can just dismiss any knowledge of it and I’m not happy. It is the fact that they are saying no one has complained that really annoys me as several of us have done so.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “Our rights of way team have liaised with local residents, and the work has now been scheduled and should be cut within a couple of weeks. We’re sorry for any confusion”