Neighbours of Bushy Park have spoken of their disappointment at the “horrendous” state of pavements outside part of the perimeter wall.

Residents living near Shaef gate, at the north of the park, said Richmond Council resurfaced parts of the road in Sandy Lane earlier this month but neglected to fix paths desperately in need of work.

They said the pavements posed a danger to elderly people who use a nearby bus stop, along with families and tourists visiting London’s second largest royal park.

The council said it had recently inspected the site and would confirm within weeks when work on the area would begin.

As part of its budget in March the council announced it would pump £500,000 into repairing potholes and broken paths after residents raised them as two of their main concerns in a survey.

Sid Smith, 87, of Shaef Way, Teddington, uses the damaged pavement every day when he takes his dog, Jessie, for a walk in the park.

He said: “It’s cracked and there are little bits sticking out, it’s so easy to catch your foot and trip on it. A lot of us are older people living here.

“It’s in a terrible state. I think sometimes when I look at the pavement ‘What a shame it is when you’ve got such a beautiful park’.”

Corrine Ray, of Shaef Way, said elderly neighbours who she helps with their shopping had struggled to walk on the pavement.

She said: “When they go to get the bus by the Shaef gate entrance, going towards the bus stop it’s like a beach. I know a couple of elderly people who do struggle.”

Mum-of-two Heidi Barry, of Shaef Way, said: “Walking into the park with a buggy is really bad, it is horrendous.”

Councillor Clare Head, cabinet member for traffic at Richmond Council, said: “We have recently inspected Sandy Lane’s pavements and, while some stretches are in a decent condition, other parts are in need of work.

“We have prioritised pavement repair and have recently made additional funds available for this purpose.

“We are currently in the process of scheduling works across the borough and should be able to say within weeks when work in Sandy Lane will start.

“We are always pleased to receive reports from residents of uneven or broken pavements so we can add them to the list.”