Sean Beaver has counted hundreds of cracks in the new cycle path (Picture: Sean Beaver/SWNS)

A new cycle path has been branded a ‘waste of taxpayers’ money’ as it has already cracked in multiple places just months after opening.

The mile-long cycle path running between Herne Bay and Whitstable in Kent was opened in April as part of wider improvements costing £300,000.

It replaced an overgrown footpath along the Old Thanet Way – but just six months after it opened, the cycle path is riddled with cracks.

Sean Beaver, who regularly cycles along the route to visit his brother in Whitstable, claims he counted 233 splits in the path’s surface.

Sean, 44, also claims the edge of the path is crumbling.

The antique dealer from Herne Bay said: ‘At this rate the new path will be unusable in the next few months.

‘It is really disappointing because that path is such a benefit. Originally it was just a footpath. This is a waste of taxpayers’ money.’

Kent County Council led the project as part of a wider programme of improvements costing more than £300,000.

Some of the cracks were big enough to fit Sean’s fingers inside (Picture: Sean Beaver/SWNS)

He cycles between Herne Bay and Whitstable (Picture: Sean Beaver/SWNS)

He says the cycle path was a waste of taxpayers’ money (Picture: Sean Beaver/SWNS)

A spokesman for the council said: ‘We are aware of damage to the path caused by clay ground conditions in the area and will be carrying out repairs to ensure the path is safe.

‘We will also work with our contractors to find a more permanent solution.’

‘It is really disappointing because that path is such a benefit. This is a waste of taxpayers’ money.’