PARENTS of youngsters attending a Rossendale primary have launched a petition after expressing ‘horror’ at plans to allow footpaths across the school grounds.

An appeal ordering fencing to be removed from around Helmshore Primary was recently secured by a village action group.

But pupils’ parents have now set up their own lobbying organisation – Helmshore Community Safeguarding Children – amid concerns about allowing open access to the fields off Gregory Fold.

Campaign spokesman Sarah Barton said: “The children at Helmshore Primary School need the footpaths to be re-routed to enable them to enjoy full use of the school field free from broken glass, dog faeces and other potential hazards.

“But most importantly the fences prevent unauthorised access to the school premises by strangers.

“Recently there has been an increased presence of police in the area and we are all stressing the importance of stranger danger. School should be a safe environment not one where unauthorised intrusion becomes a real threat.”

The village did feature in a recent police alert, when a 10-year-old schoolgirl was said to have been approached by a motorist in Helmshore Road by a man asking her to get into his vehicle.

Parent campaigners insist that the action group does not represent the views of the entire community.

The paths issue has been ongoing since 2005.

Around 400 signatures have been included on a petition drawn up by the campaigners and an online petition has attracted more than 100 names.

The group has also established its own Facebook page and website, www.hcshc.co.uk