AN overgrown footpath in Watchet is leaving walkers battling jungle conditions, it was claimed this week. The path from Knights Templar School to the back of Grove Close is a well-used shortcut - particularly for children and pensioners - knocking seven minutes off an alternative route to Liddymore Road. But grandmother and Grove Close resident Jackie Allen said the stinging nettles were as tall as her seven-year-old granddaughter and youngsters were forced to walk with their arms in the air to get through. Meanwhile, Jackie's 81-year-old mother Grace Morse, who lives just a few doors away from her daughter, has all but given up hope of using the path in her motorised scooter. "She's been grabbing a walking stick and beating the nettles back with it,' said Jackie. "But it's become so bad that it's impossible - it's a nightmare." Jackie, licensee of the Royal Huntsman pub in Williton, has three granddaughters who live with her and her husband and who attempt to use the path daily. She spent a couple of weeks trying to track down who was responsible for the path and finally discovered that one side belonged to Magna West Somerset Housing Association and the other to a local farmer. "I contacted Magna but they were unable to confirm when they would be able to cut back the weeds and make it properly passable again," she said. "I was hoping the work could be carried out during the recent half term holiday but nothing has happened. "It's now over a week since I spoke to Magna and I'm just wondering how much longer we will have to put up with this situation." But after being contacted by the Free Press, Magna pledged the path would be cut back before the end of this week. The association's building surveyor Rupert Harrison said: "The path was due to be cut back in May by our grounds maintenance contractor but due to the bad weather during May this was amongst some of the work which has been delayed. "This path is scheduled to be cut back four times a year and we do all we can to maintain access for those who use it. "It's encouraging that residents feel passionately about their environment and it is a pleasure to co- operate with them to help improve our services for everyone's benefit." l See Kwinty's Comment on page 4