PENSIONERS are being “harassed” by late night calls urging them to support a campaign against a footpath.

Some elderly residents have been visited by campaigners late at night and told to sign a petition against the project.

Plans have gone in to move footpath 25 from the roadside to an area closer to people’s homes in St Osyth.

The path is a peninsular walk around Point Clear.

Parish councillor Michael Talbot said he had received several complaints about the campaign tactics.

He said: “I have actually received a number of complaints from elderly residents in the area, to say they were being harassed and had pressure put on them by people knocking at the door and asking for their support in the campaign.

“They are round at 9.30 at night, asking them to sign things, and it is intimidating.”

Mr Talbot said he had advised residents who felt intimidated or pressured to call the police.

He said some residents had spread misleading and incorrect information about the plans to householders, wrongly claiming they would be held liable for damage and accidents.

He commented: “Some people who move to the area then realise it is a lovely place and want to stop other people enjoying it.

“I am sorry to say that, but that is how it is.”

A letter sent out to home owners along the path claimed if that route was made into a public right of way there would be health and safety issues, and each household would have to arrange £2million insurance cover against accidents.

It also said they would be responsible for 25 per cent of the path’s upkeep costs and for all rubbish collection and litter picking.

Mr Talbot said the claims were inaccurate.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said no comment on the claims could be made while the plans to move the footpath were being considered, but he stressed all views would be taken into account.