Path still blocked after three decades

They say the stretch is one of the best cliff walks in Sussex '“ until you reach the Southern Water Portobello site at Telscombe Cliffs.

Ramblers' Association spokesman Chris Smith said: 'Here, Southern Water has blocked the path forcing walkers to leave the cliff edge and walk along the road.

'They have demolished the route of the path and erected notices saying there is no right of access even though they know that is not the case.'

Mr Smith said East Sussex County Council had a duty to deal with the matter. The South Downs Society (SDS) reported the blockage to them in April 2005 '“ more than two years ago.

He said the response from the council in August 2005 recognised that the blockage was illegal and that a spokesman had said: 'A new route should have been provided and the path officially diverted at the time of the development'.

'Yet two years later the path is blocked and there has been no evidence that the county council has taken any action with Southern Water to comply with the law,' said Mr Smith.

A council spokesman 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.'

A Southern Water spokesman said: 'The works at Telscombe Cliffs 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.'