Moresby residents raise concerns over potholes and overgrown paths

Residents and parish councillors outlined their concerns over the state of their ‘once beautiful’ village at Moresby Parish Council’s latest meeting.

They say huge potholes on the road leading to Moresby RUFC are making it difficult for disabled and elderly people to access community activities in the clubhouse and the Walkmill Community Woodland.

Concerns were also raised over grass-cutting after Moresby resident Alan Lawson was clipped by a cyclist while walking at the edge of the pavement due to the overgrown grass and vegetation.

Overhanging vegetation on the pavement along the main route out of Moresby (Image: Submitted)

Cumberland Council say they are currently trimming the grass and overhanging parts of the village and will inspect the road leading to Moresby RUFC.

Speaking at the meeting, Mark Casson, chair of Moresby Parish Council, said: “We can’t get the grass cut. This road coming up here [to Moresby RUFC] is a community where we have football matches, bingo and children’s parties. People’s cars are getting wrecked.

“We are becoming a third world country village. It’s not just here – it’s Parton, Lowca. They’re all the same.

“We had a beautiful village, once upon a time. We need to push for this tarmac outside the club because it’s dangerous. People have fallen down it.

“Some people have stopped coming up here because of that path or they won’t fetch their cars up it.”

Cllr Casson said residents and Moresby RUFC had no choice but to keep filling in the potholes themselves.

A Moresby resident said: “It’s a polling station and there isn’t decent access to it. Disabled people might want to come and vote here but don’t want to wreck their cars so won’t vote.

“Parishioners aren’t happy with Cumberland Council. They’re failing the community. They don’t seem to take notice of parish councils.”

Parish councillor Irene Parker said: “They have spent money on Walkmill Forest. There’s a residential home down there and they can’t take the pensioners down in their wheelchairs. They would love to go down there.”

Mr Lawson, who has reported the overgrown paths on numerous occasions, urged parish councillors to put pressure on Cumberland Council.

Moresby resident Alan Lawson was hit by a cyclist while walking on the edge of an overgrown path in the village (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “It’s their duty by law to keep that footpath open. That’s a public footpath. We have to step up and do something and start shouting.

“In my opinion, it’s the worst council we’ve ever had. They don’t want to know anything. They will not spend any money.” 

Cllr Parker added: “They have forgotten about Moresby. We are the forgotten village.

“I pulled out of the top of School Brow this afternoon and I nearly got cleaned out. I couldn’t see past the grass.”

A spokesperson for Cumberland Council said: "We are currently trimming the grass and overhanging parts of the hedge. We will also be inspecting the road leading to the rugby club, which is a Public Right of Way, and will work with the landowner to find the best way to resolve any issues.

"Cumberland Council remains committed to enhancing the safety and quality of our community’s infrastructure. We prioritise listening to residents' feedback and promptly addressing their concerns.

"Residents are encouraged to report any issues related to roads, traffic lights, lighting columns, drains, or pavements by contacting our Highways Hotline at 0300 373 3736 or visiting the dedicated reporting page on the Cumberland Council website."