Walkers were forced to fight their way through foliage after a tree came crashing down across a riverside footpath.

The large willow fell beside the River Medway, blocking the route between Maidstone and the Tovil footbridge, last Sunday.

It was reported to Kent County Council (KCC), who are stepping in despite the tree not originating from on council-owned land.

But neighbours say they are disappointed with the delay in its removal, which has taken more than a week, given it was initially blocking a right of way.

One of those to get in touch with the authority was retired police officer and community safety officer, Alan Newman.

The 64-year-old, who lives in nearby Clifford Way said residents and gardening contractor from the block of flats had done their best to clear away the smaller branches with clippers, but were unable to move the trunk.

He said: “I was awoken by the sound of the tree hitting the ground on Sunday, but there had still been no action by Friday.

“It’s not a complete tree, it’s still attached so we don’t know how safe it is. It is looking pretty precarious, so I can’t believe n-oone has been out to even assess it. No-one seems bothered about the risks to people.

“Every day hundreds of people use that path, children on bikes, mums with pushchairs, elderly and disabled people.”

Until clearance work takes place, KCC says the tree can be passed. Some people are able to go underneath it, while others have been using steps at the nearby flats, which connect to the road at Clifford Way.

Today a spokesman for KCC’s public rights of way team said: “Normally a fallen tree is the responsibility of the land-owner, but we appreciate the inconvenience this tree is causing and, because it would take us some time to ascertain the ownership and then make an enforcement order, we have agreed to remove it as a matter of urgency.

The removal work will be carried out over the next few days.”