BUILDER Kevin Humphries is facing the threat of direct action and protests by families frustrated at the lack of progress in reinstating a footpath.

The action could come from residents whose children used to walk to school via a path cutting through land being developed for houses by Mr Humphries.

The path linked Bromley Farm estate in Congleton with Daven Primary School, but since its closure children have had to walk to school via a busy main road.

Mr Humphries appealed against being refused permission to omit the path from his housing scheme in Park Lane.

However he lost his appeal when a government inspector ruled in July the path was essential to protect children walking to and from school from traffic dangers.

Despite the appeal decision the path has not been reinstated, with Mr Humphries stating he was awaiting a legal agreement before work could begin.

The agreement would pave the way for the path to be adopted by the borough council, a draft of which Mr Humphries is due to receive from the council tomorrow.

"The parents of children at Daven are absolutely fed up, and are losing patience with Mr Humphries,'' said Judith Thwaite, one of those who have led the two-year campaign to save the path.

"Once Mr Humphries has the agreement and it has been signed there will no reason why work on creating the path cannot start.

"The residents have been wanting direct action for a long time, but we have said let's try and negotiate.

"However if work on the path doesn't begin in the coming weeks we are going to take action, which could include protests at the building site in Park Lane.''

Fellow path campaigner Frank Holt says local residents are continually asking him when the path will reopen.

However he believed people should hold off any direct action until Mr Humphries had been given the opportunity to resolve the issue of the legal agreement.

"Mr Humphries should be given the benefit of the doubt,'' said Mr Holt. Mr Humphries said he had no comment.

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