This has exposed a number of quite large tree roots that could easily cause someone to slip or trip:

The problem was reported to the County Council several months ago, but initially no action was taken and the County Council were reluctant to accept that the work was their responsibility.

I raised the issue with Councillor Mackison on the 15th of January and on 24th January received the following email:

Dear Mr Hickman

My attention was drawn to the issue with the above footpath that you had raised by Cllr Anna Mackison because not only do I work within the relevant section of the County Council but I also live in Elmley Castle. I have taken a look at the path and since spoken to the officers concerned. The conclusion we reached is that the ground has been washed and worn from between the tree roots, not the tree roots interfering with the footpath and that the appropriate solution is to fill the gaps between the roots. This is the responsibility of the County Council not the landowner, as you have already pointed out to my colleagues.

I will ask Alan Kingston, when he returns from leave, to contact you and to arrange for the necessary work to be carried out. Would you be good enough to allow access for a vehicle through your field in order to deliver materials (obviously this would need to be with the agreement of Middle Farm also as it would require access along the edge of the big meadow from the road)?

Thank you for drawing the state of the path to our attention.

regards
David Goode
Countryside Mapping Manager
Worcestershire County Council

I have given my permission for our field to be used for access so hopefully the path will be made safe shortly.

A big thank you to Councillor Mackison and David Goode for their assistance.

The stile seperating this path from the paddock belonging to Church House has been taken down, along with the fence on the Pond side. Hopefully this will make it easier for people to use the path in the future.

James Hickman
Elmley Castle

In December 2007 John Eaton sold Church Pond and the land behind it to James and Anita Hickman of Church House.

The pond and surrounding land, known as rough lawn, used to belong to Park House.

John acquired it in 1999 and spent the next three years renovating it. The first such work following 55 years of neglect. Despite much local support John had a long battle with Wychavon Council to keep the changes he made to the pond.

http://archive.eveshamjournal.co.uk/2002/9/19/249783.html

http://archive.eveshamjournal.co.uk/2002/9/23/249272.html

He was finally victorious at the end of 2005 when it was ruled that the Council’s enforcement action was out of time and the restorations could remain.

http://archive.eveshamjournal.co.uk/2005/12/1/388072.html

As the new owners we intend to build upon John’s work and continue the restoration project, to bring Church Pond back to it’s former glory. The work will be co-ordinated by Dr Nick Haycock of Little Comberton www.haycock-associates.co.uk

We will be seeking input from local interest groups before finally deciding on the scope of the project.

James Hickman
Elmley Castle