A village on the outskirts of Newcastle is being left “neglected”, a local vicar has complained.

The Rev Mark Edwards MBE has called on Newcastle City Council to deal with an “unholy mess” greeting residents and visitors in Hazlerigg.

Mr Edwards, from St Matthew’s Church in nearby Dinnington, has been left furious at overgrown weeds and run-down paths that he says are creating a “sense of abandonment” in the village.

The local authority insisted that Hazlerigg was in a “good condition”.

Mr Edwards told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he had suffered “deep concern and frustration” at the “deplorable state” of the public footpath along Coach Lane.

He added: “This unholy mess, with its overgrown weeds and neglected verge, is what greets residents and visitors alike, tarnishing the image of our community. 

"Every time I drive through the village I am confronted with this and it is infuriating that no one appears to be as concerned as I am, or even care. 

“Standards in our society and community continue to slide and something as basic as picking up the litter, ensuring the footpath kerbs are kept free of weeds are simply ignored and very quickly makes the whole area look run down.  I have taken the initiative, both as a resident and in my capacity as vicar, to raise this issue with Hazelrigg Parish Council.

“Unfortunately, despite their efforts to engage with Newcastle City Council, it appears that no one is willing to take responsibility for this environmental neglect.”

Mr Edwards said that the sight of weeds “sends the wrong message” about Hazlerigg and creates the impression that its community “does not take pride in its appearance, nor does it care for the environment in which we live”.

A Newcastle City Council spokesperson replied: “We are more than happy to look at any concerns raised by residents of our city. Officers attended Hazelrigg and Dinnington this morning (Friday) and the areas were found to be in good condition.

Most read: 

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here. 

“Maintenance work has been completed in line with our service levels.

“There was an impact to grass cutting at the start of the season due to the prolonged wet weather but teams have worked hard to get back on track, and are currently working through the sixth cut of the season.

“Ward teams are also active across the city, carrying out tasks such as litter picking, litter bin emptying and fly-tipping clearance.”