PROPOSALS for a new Safer Routes to School initiative in Droitwich could be scrapped after angry parents declared it unsafe.

Worcestershire County Council chiefs have plans to spend more than £200,000 on a new cycle path between three schools on the Chawson estate to discourage traffic.

But some locals think the scheme, which would run between Chawson First School, Witton Middle School and Droitwich Spa High, is dangerous, saying the route is too narrow for bikes and pedestrians and are an accident risk.

The proposal is currently out for consultation after a letter and questionnaire was sent to parents from the schools.

Mother-of-two Amanda Jenkins, of Camp Furlong, will be sending a letter opposing the plan.

"This isn't going to benefit my children at all. No one is going to send a primary school child on a bike on their own anyway," she said.

"It will be used by older kids and adults who will take up most of the path. Much of the route is on a very steep downhill slope.

"Bikes can pick up speeds of 30-40mph within seconds. Add to this several nasty blind spots and someone could easily get hurt."

"The Chawson estate was pedestrianised to make it safe for residents and now they are proposing something that puts this safety in jeopardy."

Another angry resident is Richard Harris, of Clee View.

Appalled

If the proposals go ahead he will also have to put up with a new bus link that would take pupils directly to the cycle/pedestrian area.

The plans take the buses through his quiet cul-de-sac.

"I am absolutely appalled by the proposals. Unlike parents, I have had no correspondence with the council on the plans.

"And while I am annoyed about the bus link idea, what concerns me most is the thought of a cycle path.

"They say this is to encourage youngsters to cycle to school, but no one from Chawson Primary will be doing this."

Droitwich town councillor Janet Clarke has given her backing to protesters. Many people have now contacted her.

"They should keep wheels with wheels and build a cycle route next to the road. After all, anyone who is going to cycle to school will be old enough to do this," she said.

Worcestershire County Council has said it welcomes the views.

"One of the reasons we are going out to consultation is so people can alert us to any problems and to tell us their ideas on the plans," said Travelwise officer Nicky Luff.

Travelwise is the name of the department concerned with Safer Routes to School.

n The issue of children and road safety has come into prominence since the beginning of the school holidays. The speed of vehicles has also been in the spotlight. What do you think? We want to hear your view. Write to You Say, Evening News, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX.