THE footpaths this year in the Dales are in a disgraceful state, notably in and around Middleham and Lower Wensleydale. I'm told by the county council that the maintenance and cutting of the footpaths has changed and it is not being carried out by the people who are cutting the grass verges.

Having rung the council to complain, I received a letter telling me that the cutting of footpaths is a low priority, yet the footpaths on Back Lane and the one at the side of the Coverbridge Inn are both popular with people walking with dogs to the river. They don’t even resemble public footpaths as grass and nettles are chest height, and so people are getting nettled!

Is this how the county council wants to show our area to visitors, dog walkers and fishermen?

Can I say that as a resident who pays council tax, I expect good value for our money, so can we please have our footpaths cleared as priority in order for people to enjoy walks in the Dales.

Andy Brook, Middleham.