Walkers have complained that a path along one of Sussex's best cliff top walks has been blocked for years and nothing is being done to clear it.

The Ramblers Association is calling for East Sussex County Council to take action against Southern Water for blocking the walkway at its waterworks in Portobello, Telscombe.

The route of the path has been demolished, forcing walkers to leave the cliff edge and walk alongside the road.

The water firm has put up notices saying there is no right of access but this is disputed by the Ramblers Association which says it is a public right of way.

The South Downs Society reported the blockage to the county council in April, 2005. The council recognised the blockage was illegal and said a new route should have been provided by the firm.

But two years on this has not been done and the path is still blocked.

The Ramblers Association and the South Downs Society say there is no evidence of the county council taking any action to make sure Southern Water complies with the law, despite pressure from them.

David Brookshaw, of the South Downs Society, said: "East Sussex County Council has a clear duty to stop this happening. Why do they appear to have done nothing?"

Chris Smith, the spokesman for the Rambers Association, said: "Southern Water want to expand their activities in this area. Many local people are concerned about this. If the actions of Southern Water over this footpath are anything to go by they should be very concerned indeed."

A Southern Water spokeswoman said: "The works at Telscombe Cliff have been in place since 1972, which actually pre-dates Southern Water as a company. We are aware there are issues regarding the footpath and we are investigating a way forward. There is currently a footpath in place that is available as an alternative route around the works."

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said: "This issue dates back to the 1970s when a section of footpath was removed so that a pumping station could be built. In the three decades since, we have received only two complaints from members of the public.

"Far from doing nothing, we have investigated the problem thoroughly and written to the Ramblers Association to tell them how we are dealing with it. We have informed Southern Water that it needs to apply for a diversion to ensure this route adheres to planning regulations and we now have an officer dedicated to making sure this procedure takes place."