A NEW footpath and cycle path being built for children travelling to school will be an invasion of privacy, according to two Malvern residents.

Hilda Forsyth and Janice Todd-Wood, of Pickersleigh Road, say Worcestershire County Council plans for paths and a crossing at the North End Lane junction will mean passers-by will be able to see into their houses.

But the council says the plans are merely an evolution of existing paths. As part of the Safer Routes to School initiative, the creation of the paths follow consultation with residents and parents of children at the nearby Grove Junior School.

After contacting the Gazette Mrs Forsyth asked who would let a child of primary school age cycle to school, adding: "It's a waste of time and a waste of space."

Council spokesman Lee Shrimpton said that following Mrs Forsyth's complaints plans had been altered to divert the path towards a tree, obstructing any views into her home.

He added that the cycle path would link two paths already in place, so cyclists could use the crossing instead of cutting across the road. Work will begin in a few weeks.