Easier route

Leeds City Council highways and transport sub-committee (west) have agreed to divert a public footpath on the Leeds Country Way which runs down the side of Rawdon C of E Primary School linking Town Street with Billing Hill.

The new route proposed is a short distance away across the school's soccer field and car park but still links Town Street with Billing Hill.

Coun Brian Cleasby (Lib-Dem, Horsforth) said the path was being diverted because there was a need for better security at the school.

"The path at present is very close to the school and has been there for a long time. Although there will be little or no cost to the council in diverting the footpath there will be costs in advertising the proposal. A sign will also have to be moved."

The proposal is to be advertised to see if anyone has any objection to the path being diverted.

"If there are objections then the matter will have to go before the Secretary of State. I don't think there will be any objections because the diversion will make matters much easier for walkers," he said.

Coun Cleasby said the path was being diverted so a security fence could be put up in the school grounds.

He commented that only recently 350 Hawthorn bushes had been planted by children and staff at the school to provide security once they were fully grown.

"I like the idea of Hawthorn bushes being used. They are much better than a metal fence which would look like Alcatraz. Children attend school to be educated and not to feel they are in prison," he said.

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