Residents have called for urgent action over a blocked footpath that has been branded "a collision waiting to happen".

Overgrown bushes along Bedmond Road in Abbots Langley, near Harthall Lane, are said to be putting pensioners at risk and making mums too scared to walk their kids there.

Mark Cooper, of nearby Trowley Rise, runs along the 40mph road at least twice a week, often during peak commuter times.

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He said: “All the trees on the left-hand side are so far over the pavements that you have to run into the road and its right on the corner.

“You are risking yourself being hit and obviously if you were disabled or elderly and you couldn’t get in and out quick enough.”

Watford Observer: Overgrown trees prevent pedestrians from walking on the footpath on Bedmond Road. Picture: Sara BedfordOvergrown trees prevent pedestrians from walking on the footpath on Bedmond Road. Picture: Sara Bedford

Mr Cooper, 48, said it is an issue that occurs every year and gets worse as summer progresses.

He added: “It’s also dangerous for the car drivers too. You can see that the drivers just aren’t expecting someone to be on the road

“It’s a collision waiting to happen.”

Councillors Sara and Matthew Bedford have complained to Herts County Council, with Sara telling the Watford Observer she wants the trees cut back within a week.

She said: “We first raised concerns with the council a few weeks ago but we received an email back saying this is ‘not considered an immediate hazard’.

“It’s absolutely amazing that it's thought to be not an issue. It should be resolved within the next week on an urgent basis.”

Cllr Bedford said 12 people have been in contact with her about the overgrowth, including two mothers.

She said: “The mothers are too scared to walk their children to school because they have to walk in the road.”

A HCC spokesperson said: "We carried out an inspection of the path at Bedmond Road in late April and approved works to overgrown vegetation and trees. 

"At the time of inspection these works were not considered to be an immediate hazard.

"The work will be carried out as soon as possible."

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