A PATH labelled a ‘no-go area’ by parents taking their children to a Chaddesley Corbett school has been improved.

Last winter, the route to Chaddesley Corbett Endowed Primary School caused mayhem for pupils and parents, who claimed it was too muddy and slipperyfor themto walkdown.

It has now been spruced up with a new stone surface, making it walkable during the wetter winter months.

Worcestershire County Council’s countryside team worked with the neighbouring landowner, the school, user groups and the local communitytofinda solution that best worked for everyone.

The authority helped improve the footpaths linking the village to the new primary school following uproar from residents after the new school opened last November.

Richard Preston, the county council’s countryside access team leader, said: “It wasn’t as simple as throwing down a few stone chippings and hoping for the best. There have been a number of issues to resolve and we’ve worked closely with the school, the local community, the landowner and users of the path.

The work will ensure a mud-free walk to school, while remaining in keeping with its rural setting.”

Conservative Chaddesley county councillor Stephen Clee, added: “It’s great to see the path improved during the school holidays ready for the new school term.

“Hopefully, the newly-surfaced path will encourage more children to have a healthy walk to school on this safe, traffic-free route.

“I’d like to thank all those involved in helping to improve the route for the pupils and the wider community."

James Hawthorn, headteacher, said he was delighted the new path had been completed.

“The school have received some really positive feedback from parents, who are enjoying the journey to and from school with their children on the path,” he added