Pathways joining numerous flats in an area of Leavesden are "seriously unsafe and in a dangerous condition" according to a ward councillor. 

Leavesden Councillor Martin Brooks has become increasingly concerned for the welfare of residents who live in the flats in Furtherfield.

He said: "The residents of this area, some of which are elderly and use walkers, need to be able to walk to the bus stop or into town on a footpath that is free of dangerous trip hazards." 

Councillor Brooks has contacted Abbots Langley Parish Council, Three Rivers District Council and Hertfordshire County Council regarding the issue but all claim they do not own the land and are therefore not responsible for any maintenance or repairs. 

Over a week ago, Councillor Brooks notified Hertfordshire County Council Highways operatives Ringway of these conditions and said he could not file a report because their system did not recognise this as their property.

He said: "It is very unfortunate that we have yet again another unsafe condition that cannot be easily corrected because of lack of knowledge as to who owns the property and therefore who is responsible for its maintenance and repairs. We have seen this a great deal lately in such cases as Abbots Drive when Three Rivers District Council was doing the trimming of hedges and then realized they did not own the property and stopped doing it, with Hertfordshire County Council taking months to get it on their maintenance list."

Ringway have since filed the issue as a category one emergency repair and will be investigating who is responsible for the Furtherfield pathways. 

Kevin Carrol, Ringway Divisional Manager, working on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council, said: "Although we are aware of the concerns over the footpath in Furtherfield, Abbots Langley, we believe the footpath in question is not maintainable by Ringway but we will investigate further to confirm." 

Councillor Brooks added: "There must be a review of how property ownership is recorded and this information is made available within the district and county to ensure that the owners of the properties in question can be found as soon as possible and the corrective action is undertaken. 

"I will be monitoring this problem closely to ensure the needed repairs are made."