From the left, Tom Le Pelley, John Gollop and Pat Wisher of Living Streets are now looking to move on with the path project. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0772382)

The Environment Department has granted permission for a pathway to be created which will enable pupils from St Peter Port to walk to the schools away from roads.

Pedestrian safety group Living Streets has campaigned for almost two years for the pathway – which goes across a privately-owned vinery site.

Secretary of Living Streets Pat Wisher was cautiously optimistic about the decision.

‘It’s great news. It has been a long wait and means, with the help of our sponsors, we can now go ahead and put safety measures in place in the vinery. Hopefully the route will be up and running for the summer term.’

She said the group was disappointed the planning process had taken so long but she had nothing but praise for the planning team – although there were still those who opposed the walkway.

‘We have become aware that there is still some resistance from States departments,’ said Mrs Wisher.