A PETITION to create a safe path for pedestrians in St Ann’s Chapel has been launched by a concerned parent.

When new housing estate Double White Rise, off the A390 on the road to Cotehele, was built a painted lined path was installed to provide a ‘pavement’ for residents..

But pedestrians have said that this path is ineffective and unsafe as on many occasions motorists treat it as another section of the highway and not as a ‘pavement’.

Double White Rise resident Demelza Merritt, who has started the petition, said there have been many occasions when she has seen motorists driving on the path — an issue which causes concern for families trying to get home or accessing the popular play park along the road.

Demelza added: ‘In the last few years over 200 new houses have been built in St Ann’s Chapel, yet there is not a proper safe pavement or street lights to the play park from the main A390, which is the main access route from one of the new housing developments.

‘The main access road to the play park is busy, narrow and windy, making it difficult for families with children, pushchairs and dog walkers as there is nowhere to get out of the way of vehicles. The trees are overgrown and the road can be very dark, making visibility difficult. Despite this more children and families are now using the play park, without a safe pavement to walk on.

‘There is a painted line path on the road but cars drive on this as it is not a proper pavement, there have been incidences on the bends where pedestrians have had to jump into the hedge to avoid being hit by a vehicle. Parents have to use this route to walk their children to the local primary school and it is dangerous!’

When complete, the petition will be presented to Cornwall Council, asking it for a pavement and street lighting to the play park.

A spokesperson from Cornwall Council said: ‘We are aware of the views of local residents and are considering how this walking route could be made safer.’