A CYCLE path is in such a bad state it has been compared to a battlefield.

The path, which runs alongside the River Colne and connects Rowhedge with the Hythe, has been so affected by heavy rain, residents now avoid using it.

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor for Rowhedge, said: “Unfortunately, the footpath has become atrocious.

“Residents have described it to me as the Somme. We have had people slip on it or slip off it, which is actually quite dangerous.”

The route is jointly managed by Essex County Council and the Environment Agency.

East Donyland Parish Council has alerted County Hall to the problems and officers have visited the site.

But although officers do recognise the “undesirable situation”, they have said the cost of resurfacing the path would be “significantly in excess” of the normal allocated budget.

Colchester Council is hoping to secure funding from developers, including from Bloor Homes, which plans to redevelop the Rowhedge Wharf.

Mr Lilley said the council has about £60,000, but the total cost would be about £250,000.