DISAPPOINTED residents watched in dismay as a much-wanted path was filled in following complaints.

Blackburn Groundwork Trust started creating the new path at the rear of Sudellside Community Centre in Darwen last week but were forced to halt work after just two days.

Christine Bell of Two Gates Drive, Darwen, has since helped collect more than a hundred signatures from fellow residents who want to see the project completed.

She said: "Because there was a complaint it meant the path had to be filled in again.

"Everybody is really disappointed. Most of us think it is an excellent idea and have been waiting for work to start since last year."

The route across the field is used as a short cut by children going to Sudell Primary School and Moorland High School.

Christine, who has three children, Danielle Stewart, 13, Cameron Stewart, 12, and Declan Stewart, eight, added: "A lot of people use the field as a safe short cut. Having a proper path would have made it easier for children and mums with prams. There is a lot of dog dirt on the field so it would have helped people avoid that too. "Apparently there has been talk of it becoming a possible escape route for thieves, but people still use the field as a short cut whether there is a path or not.

"I spent a full day keeping kids away while the path was being dug out for nothing. It was a waste of time and money."

The path was part of a series of improvements taking place in the area as part of a multi-agency crime-cutting initiative.

Groundwork communication manager Adrian Blundell explained residents had been approached about the work before money for the scheme was found, but some had later said there had not been enough consultation.

He added: "We have been caught in the middle with this project.

"Members of the community are polarised with those strongly in favour and those against creating a more formal path. People have been using the area and it had become a muddy track. We though that it would be a useful improvement to help young people on their way to school and other members of the community.

"Obviously given the strength of feeling we will continue to discuss ways forward that are acceptable to as many members of the community as possible."

The dug up area has now been re-seeded to restore the grass. SCHOOL ROUTE: Danielle Stewart, a pupil at Sudell Primary School, at the path site