COUNCIL officials have pledged to make an emergency inspection of Marlow’s river path after a scathing complaint from shocked new resident, James Pieslak.

James, 32, moved to Marlow four months ago with his family and loves everything about the area except the path which runs alongside the Thames.

He says it has left him ‘aghast’ and he believes it will disappoint visitors coming to the town. He said when he walks or runs from the town towards Temple Lock after it has rained he comes to a very muddy section which is unwalkable.

James said: "It is kind of completely unwalkable. I am a runner as well. Whenever it rains what happens it is gets really boggy. It is simply inaccessible."

He moved to Marlow from Reading with his partner, Carly Ryan and they have an 11-week-old son called Tom.

He said they used to walk to Sonning from Reading with ease and never had any problems with the state of the river paths.

James, who goes running four times a week, added: "I had my mum and dad down a few weeks ago and I thought we could go for a walk along the river.

"Then we came across a lot of mud and we had to turn around. It is such a shame as it is so nice down there with Bisham Church across the river."

James, who works in Thame for Travelodge in Corporate Communications, said he believes whoever maintains the path should invest a money into it and make sure the path is well drained.

And he emphasised he loves the town. He said: "I love it. I love everything about the place. I have really enjoyed it. "It is friendly, the shops are great, it is a nice place."

Deputy Mayor Suzanne Brown said she has had people talking to her about the path this week, because of the weather.

She said: "I feel it should be sorted out. When it is not muddy it actually slopes.

"It needs quite a bit of work and not just when it is wet and muddy."

Buckinghamshire County Council owns the land. Dan Green, from Transport for Buckinghamshire, said:

"Due to the paths' riverside location and its status as part of The National Trail, it receives a high level of maintenance throughout the year. Ground works were carried out last year in partnership with the National Trail to improve the surface.

"An emergency inspection will take place to decide whether there are any immediate safety issues that require short term implementation.

"This year has been exceptional with unusual weather leading to a high level of surface growth and issues with drainage as well as higher than normal river levels.

"The unusual weather event means it is difficult to make a proper assessment of what is needed at the location and as such a further inspection will take place in the spring to ascertain whether subsequent works are required."