SOMERSET County Council has apologised for the time it has taken to resolve a footpath dispute in the town.

Ilminster Town Councillors once again voiced their exasperation at the length of time it is taking to iron out the Winterhay Lane access argument which is said to be causing friction in the town.

The council is waiting for Somerset County Council to refer the issue of 'Bumpy Lane' to the Planning Inspectorate.

At last week's town council meeting, Cllrs David Miller, Roger Swann and Sarah Storey voiced their disappointment that the right of way order had not been implemented sooner.

Ilminster County Councillor Linda Vijeh said she would concentrate her efforts in finding a swift resolution and called the delay “unconscionable”.

A county council spokesman said: “An opposed order to add a footpath will be referred to the Planning Inspectorate for a decision, which will probably be reached by way of a public inquiry.

“We apologise for any unavoidable delay in this process due to a number of competing priorities. The order to add a public footpath over Winterhay Lane will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate as soon as possible to be considered.”