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14th August 2012
AXMINSTER: Campaigning mum's joy as footpath installed on Stoney LaneBy Anders Larsson An Axminster woman could hardly believe her eyes when a footpath she campaigned for started to take shape. After a battle that involved two petitions, numerous fliers and lobbying, Clair Lawrence got what she wanted – a footpath along Stoney Lane at Axminster Primary School. Her concern was that pedestrians approaching Stoney Lane via the footpath running alongside Axe Valley Community College’s sports field risked being hit by cars when checking if it was safe to cross. She decided to act last year after having had two close calls herself when taking her son Charlie to school. Devon County Council (DCC) said its aim was to create a footpath at the top of the field to run along Stoney Lane. But Clair felt there was a lack of progress and launched a petition for a lollipop person to be appointed as a stop-gap measure until the path was constructed. She amassed 256 signatures but the petition was apparently lost or mislaid by officials in County Hall. A lollipop person never materialised despite money for infrastructure being found and the search for a volunteer having a promising start. The second petition was for a definite footpath completion date, which took no less than 265 signatures. DCC said a planning application was being prepared, but there was renewed concern when its submission was delayed earlier this year. But DCC kept its promise and work on the footpath is now in full swing. When she visited the site on Thursday, August 9th, Clair said: “I’m over the moon. “I can’t believe it is actually happening at last after many years of people trying. “It feels like a great achievement.” She praised everyone who supported her campaign and a DCC spokesperson said: “It [the footpath] is expected to be complete by August 31st.” PICTURE: SHAPING UP: Clair and her son Charlie inspect the emerging footpath she campaigned for 
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