A woman who tirelessly served her community for many years has shared her disappointment at having to miss out on the Tour of Britain, as a result of pavements being so overgrown.

Frustrated residents of Bucklesham have contacted this paper several times in the past few years, after the pathways along Main Road became so wild as to become unusable.

In May, we reported that children attending Bucklesham Primary School had resorted to walking in the road to get to school as it had become so overgrown.

In July last year, the road had to be closed so that hemlock, a poisonous plant which can be easily mistaken for cow parsley, could be removed.

This was after concerns were raised by Bucklesham parish councillors, who contacted Suffolk Highways numerous times.

The pathway has become so wild in places that it was impossible for Mrs Owen to safely navigate. The pathway has become so wild in places that it was impossible for Mrs Owen to safely navigate. (Image: Ruth Johnson) Mrs Owen had hoped to enjoy the Tour of Britain with the rest of the village, but had to turn back as she was unable to safely use the pavement. Mrs Owen had hoped to enjoy the Tour of Britain with the rest of the village, but had to turn back as she was unable to safely use the pavement. (Image: Ruth Johnson) Now, Heather Owen has shared how disappointed she was to miss out on watching the Tour of Britain pass through the village. Mrs Owen used to be Chair of Bucklesham Parish Council, and still serves on the village hall committee.

Mrs Owen uses a mobility scooter, and found that on September 8, the pavement had become too overgrown for her to navigate.

“I wanted to clap with everyone else,” said Mrs Owen. “I’m very much a sport watcher, I’ve watched all the Olympics and Paralympics.”

Having been part of village life for so many years, Mrs Owen was disheartened not to be able to join in the occasion.

Parish clerk Ruth Johnson said that it is frustrating to have to keep reporting the issue time and time again.

“It’s a sad indictment of Highways just not listening and not taking action on something that is really important for safety reasons,” she said.

Mrs Owen said that while she understands jobs need to be prioritised, she feels that this issue needs to be rectified.

“They must remember people have got to get about,” she said.

A spokesperson from Suffolk Highways said: “The area has been inspected and an order will be raised to cut back the overgrown section of vegetation.”