Meriden Park footpath branded as 'useless' and 'soft'

Graham Reece, of Garsmouth Way, criticised the "soft" path in Meriden Park near the A41 and questioned if the correct material has been used.

The 63-year-old saw the barriers had been removed on December 18 - leading him to believe it was fine to use - before voicing his irritation.

He told the Watford Observer there is already a tyre mark, adding: “It can’t really be used for cycling. Kids can’t ride their bikes on it. It’s pretty useless.”

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Watford Borough Council replied to his social media post saying the path had not been finished and would be completed after Christmas.

But Mr Reece said: “You would assume that once they take the barriers away the footpath would be good to use.

Graham is able to pick up the crumbling footpath (Image: Graham Reece)

“They really should keep people off it until it hardens. I was there on December 28 and it is still soft and hasn’t hardened at all.

“The previous footpath was down for years. I do not know why it needed replacing.”

Watford borough councillor Tim Williams, portfolio holder for parks and sustainability, said: “This pathway is made from self-binding gravel which is used in our award-winning parks and many parks across the country.

“It is easy to maintain, looks good in natural settings and is sustainable.

“The path is not yet completed. This work was interrupted during the cold spell in December, but it will be compacted soon, and the bunds completed.

Mr Reece does not believe the footpath is fit for purpose until it is completely finished because currently the path is 'soft'. (Image: Graham Reece)

“Once this happens, local residents will see a very stable and permeable footpath.

“In its current state the path is safe to use and is a better alternative to walking on the water logged grass.”