A MOTHER is calling on Somerset County Council to clear two cycle paths of debris after she fell off her bike on two separate occasions.

Amy Long moved to Highbridge in June this year with her husband and two children and regularly cycles into Burnham to take her three-year-old to nursery.

The 28-year-old regularly uses cycle paths near Frank Foley Parkway and behind The King Alfred School Academy in Burnham-on-Sea to access the town and said the paths are dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

“When we moved here in June we only had one car so I decided to get a bike and trailer so I could take my children to nursery and into town,” Amy said.

“In the last few weeks the cycle paths behind The King Alfred School and off Frank Foley Parkway have been covered in leaves and twigs and have become really slippery as a result.

“Last week I fell off my bike quite badly on two separate days because there were leaves all over the path and it was really slippy.

“Luckily myself and my children were not hurt but it has made me go a lot slower on the path.”

Amy said she reported the issue to Somerset County Council in a bid to get the leaves and debris cleared off the path but was told that no action would be taken.

She said the paths are ‘dangerous’ and urged the council to clear them.

“I emailed the council about getting the paths cleaned up and I didn’t get a reply for ages,” Amy said.

“I eventually got a reply from the country roads department and they said that the paths didn’t need to be cleared.

“The reply email I got wasn’t at all compassionate and basically is was just telling me it is fine.

“I genuinely would have thought the council would want to encourage people to get cycling and with students walking along there as well it’s just common sense to keep it clear and safe. It needs to be cleared.”

A spokesperson for Somerset County Council said: “We have made a visit to the site and cleared the worst of the leaves this week.

“Due to the time of year and the busy schedule it’s not always possible to carry this out immediately, and if people do spot something that’s a problem in their area please do let either ourselves or the District Council know.

“Although recently renewed, the bollards in question have been in place for many years to prevent access by vehicles.If you want to report a problem with a public right of way you can visit www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-and-transport.”