Children's safety concerns as 800 new homes built
LDRSA housebuilder has been urged to extend a pavement to allow people to access a footbridge and more safely cross a busy road.
More than 800 homes are being built in the Longbeck ward of Marske onTeesside. School children cross the A174 at the edge of the development in order to walk to Outwood Academy Bydales, which is north of it, from New Marske to its south west.
Marske independent councillor Tristan Learoyd said housebuilder Wimpey had refused to make the "minor amendment" which would improve safety.
In a joint statement Taylor Wimpey and project partner Miller Homes said all roads, footpaths and access into and within the development were in accordance with approved planning consents.
Learoyd said with "increased footfall" in the area, many youngsters were navigating a narrow and inadequate existing pavement on Longbeck Road.
"Taylor Wimpey don't want to pay for pedestrian improvements for their estates once approved and planned," he said.
"This often leaves their buyers and their children stranded."
Jack SymonA second councillor Stephen Crane said he had arranged a meeting with Redcar and Cleveland Council to look at a pavement extension on the eastern side of Longbeck Road so it could also join the footbridge via an existing path.
Council cabinet member for highways and transport, Carl Quartermain confirmed a site visit had taken place.
"If there is a deliverable option the next step would be to look at funding the project," he said.
In a joint statement Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes said they remained open to constructive dialogue with the council, highways and local councillors.
Correction: This article was updated on 8 May to make clear the development is in the Longbeck ward of Marske and the schoolchildren would be walking from New Marske, to the south west of the development, to the school in Marske, which is north of it.
