Cash to build footpaths at South Woodham's Saltcoats Park has been awarded by Chelmsford Borough Council - but not without a battle.

South Woodham Town Council has planned £2,500 in next year's budgets towards the paths for the borough council managed park.

And an additional £2,750, which will go towards linking the children's play area in Compass Gardens to Saltcoats Park via footpaths, was secured at a recent Chelmsford Borough Council's leisure committee meeting.

But town councillor Cliff Vanner, who attended the meeting has criticised some councillors who voted against the amount.

"The town council has agreed an amount through our budgets - even though it's actually their park.

"We thought they might at least put up half the money, but four councillors voted against it. I didn't think that South Woodham was the poor relation to Chelmsford but this has made me wonder," said Cllr Vanner.

Town and borough councillor Ian Roberts, who chaired the meeting, said he believes safety should come first.

"This scheme, which was proposed by South Woodham's Town Council, is primarily intended to remove the necessity for pedestrians to leave the gardens, cross a busy road twice and re-enter the park.

"I am, however, delighted that the other members of the committee had the good sense to put the safety of our children before money," he said.

It is not yet known when the paths will be built.

By Katy Fisher

Reporter's e-mail: katy.fisher@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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