by Dan Harrison

plans to close a footpath, which provides many children with their safest route to school, have sparked an angry response.

The path, known as Pig's Alley, at the top of Conway Road, is used by many parents and children from New Road, Ednall Lane and surrounding areas to access South Bromsgrove School and Charford First School.

Residents are up in arms after a Worcestershire County Council notice appeared saying that the path is set to be 'extinguished.'

Flyers have been distributed to oppose the path's closure. Objections to the scheme must be lodged by next Wednesday.

Simon Wright, of New Road who has children at Charford First School, said: "It's used every single day and for kids who go to Charford First School it's invaluable. Now they face a journey of twice the distance along main roads." However, Worcestershire County Council says it plans to make up for the loss of the path.

"The path is being moved because it has been subject to a lot of anti-social behaviour and also there are plans to rebuild one of the schools," said a spokesman.

"We understand the safety concerns and we do plan to replace the path eventually, but in the meantime we have introduced new safety zones on the roads around the school."