ANGRY parents taking their children to school have created a stink over the amount of dog mess which litters their route.

And after three years of dodging piles of dirt, broken glass, rubbish and pot holes, to get to Butterstile Primary School, they intend to lodge a petition with Bury Council.

But council bosses say their hands are tied as they only own half the affected area.

Mum Debra Robinson, of Venwood Road whose four-year-old son is in reception class at the school, said: "The ginnel leading to the school is absolutely filthy. It is the only way into the school and children end up with dog dirt on their shoes and clothes. I am appalled by the condition of this path."

A spokesman for Bury Council confirmed the path, which runs from Butterstile Lane to School Grove, posed some problems when it came to responsibility.

Half the width of the land, the part nearest the school grounds, is owned by the council but the remainder of the path is unadopted.

Butterstile headteacher Mrs Kathryn O'Doherty said she has been pressing for a solution since 1999.