IT'S A while since I’ve walked down through the lower part of Branksome Wood to the beach at Branksome Chine.

Previously it looked neglected but today I was shocked at the overgrown vegetation, the verges covered in weeds and soil and the dreadful state of the stream.

The bottom of the water course is virtually stagnant, limited water movement, the silt on the corners at the bottom of the stream is almost blocking the stream and at the far end it looks completely overgrown.

Why is this? It looks like the council have given up looking after this walkway, a further sign of the decline of Bournemouth to residents and visitors.

When the council are no longer bothering to cut the grass verges surely resources could be diverted to restore this part of Branksome Wood.

Christopher Lloyd

Dansie Close,

Poole