RESIDENTS are demanding to know why a public footpath is still blocked four years after a wall collapsed on to it.

The path between Wannock Gardens and Penhurst Road in Barkingside was commonly used as a shortcut, but the area is now described as a “wasteland” after years of neglect.

Disused garages collapsed on to the path in 2007, which is now blocked by a temporary fence.

Residents believe the council has not moved to clear the area because there is confusion who actually owns the plot.

Doug Tamplin, 83, of Wannock Gardens, said: “It’s like a wasteland within the community, it’s become a jungle. There have been so many court cases to find out who the owners are and it’s frustrating it is taking so long.

“I used to be able to walk my dog there all the time and I used it as a shortcut to see friends, but we don’t see as much of each other anymore as it’s a much longer walk.”

The garage roofs are said to contain asbestos, which Mr Tamplin feels is a danger to children who can easily sneak in to use the area.

He added: “There’s that health hazard and also people can use the footpath after dark - the problem is we don’t know what goes on.

“One of the (nearby) houses has been burgled three times in three years since the pathway fell into disrepair.

Public footpaths through private land are the responsibility of the owner. However, councils can take action to force the landowner to maintain the path.

A council spokesman said: "Four years ago part of one of the garages in question collapsed and as a consequence the public footpath was closed to prevent the remainder of the building from falling onto any passer by.

"A dangerous structure notice was issued on the owners and the matter went to court several times between 2008 and 2011 as there was a dispute as to who owned the garages. The issue was due to go to court again on September 7 2011 but the owner demolished the garages in August 2011 and the court case was not required. The garage area was also cleaned up.

"The local authority asbestos team visited the site and advised that the asbestos was low risk. The registered owner has been advised that the asbestos should be disposed of through the City of London scheme and that he would be reported if this was not done.

"Work is now ongoing to reopen the footpath and the council hopes to have achieved this by the end of the month."

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