LONG awaited work to upgrade a route to school in Callington nicknamed ?Mud Lane? because of its condition is on track for a £64,000 upgrade. The track was identified by students of Callington College as needing improvement and was highlighted in a Cornwall County Council school travel plan as far back as 2003. But work has been on hold for several years because of confusion over ownership and funding difficulties. Callington county councillor Tony Nettle, who has been instrumental in seeing the project come to fruition, said this week it was great news that things were finally moving. He said: ?Mud Lane will now be a safe route to school and also to work because many staff from the industrial estate will use it. ?It has been unsafe for a long time and been used as a dumping ground which often happens when places are not looked after. We hope to see all the work done by the start of the new term in September.? The upgrade is part of a much larger scheme that will create a safe walking and cycling route into Callington along the A390 from the St Ann?s Chapel area. It also means Callington residents can visit Kit Hill without using their cars. The application for the grant from the Department of Transport was made by Cornwall County Council and Sustrans. In addition, Callington Town Council provided £6,000. Other initiatives within Callington to improve fitness and create a healthier environment for everyone will gain support from this funding. Food company Ginsters has sought funding through the Government?s ?Active Workplaces? Senior school travel plan officer for the county council John Mellor said: ?The council has worked closely with the school and Sustrans to gain funding to improve the track in order to be able to encourage sustainable travel. ?We are all keen to see the track being used by as many people as possible on a regular basis to help reduce congestion, pollution and to increase healthy living lifestyles.? Head of Callington Lower School Paul Dew said as a specialist sports college, Callington was keen to encourage all students to keep active. ?The winning of this award will enable more of the college students to cycle to school and keep fit while doing so,? he said.
