Parents of Dunblane schoolchildren are unhappy about the appearance of a fence which bars a popular route to school.
The fence – comprising a number metal sections welded together – was put up between Culdee Grove and Anchorscross during the last week or so.
An Anchorscross resident told the Observer this week: “The route through Anchorscross has been used as a shortcut for many years. People on both sides of the fence use the route.
“Feelings are running high in the area about the fence.
“The route is popular with Dunblane High School kids as well as Dunblane Primary kids and mums with their prams.
“It seems that someone has taken it upon themselves to try to block the route.
“It seems rather arbitrary to me. I don’t see a problem.
“It is a safe route to both of the schools. Without it kids would have to walk along the busy Old Doune Road which is not as safe - especially with the darker days of autumn and winter coming up.”
Resident of nearby McKenzie Court Sarah Milne, whose eight-year-old daughter attends Dunblane Primary School, pointed out: “It means that we now have to walk down Old Doune Road at the height of the busy high school drop-off traffic.
“And the fumes from vehicles are so strong that you can smell them. I feel that the Old Doune Road alternative is not a safe route to school.”
It is understood that Stirling Council’s access officer has visited the Anchorscross site.
Dunblane councillor Alasdair Tollemache said: “I recently met concerned parents at the location, and they explained they had used the route to take their children to the primary school over the years.
“We also walked the alternative route via Old Doune Road which is congested with cars and the pavement very busy.
“The views of those who erected the fence should be looked at, but it’s vital that this safe route to school should be opened.”
A Stirling Council spokesperson said this week: “We are aware of the matter and it is being investigated by planning officers.”
