Hove footpath closed for over six months after wall collapses

The footpath between Woodland Drive and Woodland Avenue was closed after a storm caused a brick wall and fencing to collapse in autumn last year.

Former Hove councillor Jayne Bennett said elderly residents and people pushing prams have to take a longer, steeper route around.

Jayne Bennett said: “People are frustrated with how long it is taking, it just seems ridiculous that they cannot open the footpath sooner.

“It is just such an inconvenience to residents. If it fell on the road it would be cleared by now. Businesses are losing trade from this.

“The other road people are now using is very steep which is hard for elderly people or people pushing a pram. It really is inconvenient and unfair for pedestrians.”

The path has been blocked off for months by the council (Image: Supplied)

Conservative councillor for Westdene and Hove Park Ivan Lyons said surveyors inspected the wall to “establish where the works need to start and end”.

Cllr Lyons told The Argus: “It is very frustrating for residents, this has been going on since October when a storm knocked the wall down.

“It is not acceptable for residents or businesses. They have not seen any progress, it is the same situation as it was back in October.”

Brighton and Hove City Council said the path was closed in November.

Councillor Trevor Muten, chairman of the council’s transport and sustainability committee, said: “I completely appreciate this is a frustrating situation for residents who will be keen to get back to using the footpath, but our priority is the safety of our residents.

“We closed this footpath after a residential wall was damaged in a storm. Our officers are in regular contact with the owner of the wall, who is currently liaising with insurers to secure funding for the repair work. 

“The work will be quite extensive, so unfortunately the footpath will be closed for several more weeks.

“I’d like to thank residents for their patience.”