Legal action is being taken after a mountain of tyres was illegally dumped on a coastal footpath, leaving it shut for 15 months.

The route along the Canal Basin, Gravesend, was closed on October 8, 2021, by Kent County Council (KCC) as it was thought the fly-tipping posed a danger to walkers.

The street, which makes up part of the English Coast Path, was only meant to be closed for six months but this was extended to a year after the tyres were not moved.

It was expected to be open on December 11, 2022 – more than a year after it was originally shut – but that has not happened.

In August, fencing was put up to block the entrance to the path and multiple signs were posted on the footbridge warning people the path was closed due to "dangerous tyres."

The tyres were dumped along the street in piles with wire sticking out, clamped together and stacked up, and debris left in the area near business on the industrial park at Albion Parade.

Although some of these have been removed, bags full of shredded material have now appeared and a mountain of tyres still remains along the back of the path.

A spokesman for KCC said they were unable to provide a comment on the current situation but confirmed ongoing enforcement action is being taken with partner organisations.

The Environment Agency is responsible for investigating large-scale illegal dumpings as well as serious and organised waste crime.

A spokesman confirmed the public body is involved.

They added: "We are continuing to liaise with partner organisations on the clearance of the dumped tyres at Canal Basin.

"If members of the public have environmental concerns they should contact our free 24-hour hotline, 0800 80 70 60."

Members of Gravesend Sailing Club, which is next to the closed footpath, have voiced their frustrations that it is still closed.

Penny Davies, 67, said: "It needs to be open and made a little bit more user friendly and inviting. The tyres are a complete eyesore.

"The road closure is a considerable nuisance to not just the sailing club and the canal basin users."

John Green added: "We are not happy. It has been partially resolved but it is a public right of way. It is part of the coastal path, it is an established route. It should be reopened as soon as possible."

A diversion route is still in place along Canal Road and Norfolk Road heading around the industrial estate but some walkers have said the route is more dangerous than walking past the tyres.

Speaking previously, Pete Skelton, of Whitehill Road, said there were always lorries parked up on the pavement, forcing pedestrians to walk in the road.

The 68-year-old added: "I cannot understand how they see these tyres as a danger when the road is more dangerous.

"It is not the prettiest walk but it is a walk that should be open rather than making people walk onto and around the main road."