PUPILS at the city's newest school are being forced to walk along a muddy path – because the county council "won't pay", say campaigners.

Harestock parents with children at Barton Farm Academy are asking for the Ridgeway to be resurfaced.

But Cllr Jackie Porter says county chiefs are holding out, despite the poor condition of the path which is often used by dog walkers.

She said: "We were talking to parents whose children have started at Barton farm. They love the school but aren't impressed by the route to get there.

"Despite funding of £1-or-2 million in the bank, and following a frustrating meeting with the county council and the school in August, we knew the path was going to be muddy when parents and children started school.

"We have had this work – it's approximately £40,000 for a three metre wide stone path to the school from Andover Road. But the County is holding out, they just won't pay."

Cllr Porter met city councillors Anne Weir and Kelsie Learney to walk along the route.

"The current path is well used by dog walkers and so, as well as a muddy surface after rain, often dog faeces is dropped along the way, so it's not just difficult but unpleasant too," said Cllr Weir.

Cllr Porter added: "The County has failed to convert the footpath into a cyclepath even though we've been asking for this to happen since planning permission for the school was agreed.

"The Lib Dems put forward a motion to the county council for school streets to enable children to walk and cycle safely to school. We want the Conservative council to put their plans into action here. Children deserve a good start – especially this year.

"We all agree: we want the county council to do the right thing and surface the path."