JUST months after volunteers repaired a bridge on a picturesque footpath they returned to find it smashed in what they fear is the work of vandals.

In 2006 landowner Phil Newman was ordered by Epping Forest District Council to clear tonnes of building waste that he had allowed to be dumped on green belt land he owns in Blunts Farm, Theydon Bois.

Late last year the authority declared itself satisfied that the land had been returned to its previous state, but residents objected that a public right of way leading from Theydon Bois to Theydon Garnon remained blocked by rubble and volunteers took the initiative and cleared the route.

But last week walkers were horrified to discover wooden slats had been broken in two and railings smashed at two footbridges along the route.

Mike Emmett, who lives in Abridge Road, Theydon Bois, said: ““It is too early to tell who might have done it, it could be anyone ranging from kids to someone with a vested interest in the character of the land not changing.

“It would be a great shame if Theydon Bois lost that footpath, it is one of the defining elements of the village.

Peter Newton, chairman of the Theydon Bois Preservation Society, said: “People put a lot of hard work into clearing that route and I hope that we do not get more trouble like this.

“It is very sad to see things like this happen.”

However, volunteers were not giving up in their mission to keep the path open.

Brian Smith, of the West Essex Ramblers Group, said: “It is a very important route and we will be returning next week to fix the damage.