A FOOTPATH has been erected at the end of Okehampton's Market Street car park by the developers preparing the foundations for the Waitrose store.

The move is designed to provide a direct route for children and parents from the town to the primary school.

West Devon Borough Council planning officer Jane Green, who is the coordinator concerning matters involving Waitrose, said the developers had gone 'full steam ahead' to get the footpath in position.

'In the early part of last week there had been a lot of bustle at that end of the car park and the contractors pulled out all the stops to get the footpath open,' said Ms Green.

'People are finding it and using it more and more which is something we wish to encourage.'

The path is part of a temporary phase during the development and with the on-going construction work there will inevitably be logistical difficulties.

With the path there is no need for children to cross the car park on their way to school.

Headteacher Brian Cunningham said Okehampton Primary School had an escort who met the children off the buses that delivered them to the car park and walked them up to the school.

'At the end of the day the priority for the school and the parents is that they have a safe journey to the school,' he said.

One of the problems had been the speed the construction had moved forward thus reducing the area the buses had to turn.

One driver described the mornings when up to 20 coaches had to turn in the car park while delivering pupils as 'chaotic'.

Mr Cunningham said there would be teething problems with the turning area reduced. 'My approach is it's not a problem but a solution waiting to be found. As long as everybody is looking out for the children's safety and well-being they will be okay.'

The transport difficulties have only occurred in the morning. In the evening the primary pupils are transported in one bus to Okehampton College where they then board the correct bus for their destination.