Baffled locals were left scratching their heads over a new pavement extension outside Leith Walk Primary which was apparently railed off.
One local took to Facebook questioning the effectiveness of the measure, designed to increased space for walking in busy areas.
Pictures show the pathway would be completely inaccessible from the pavement, and one local pointed out children on the way to school would have to walk onto the road to access it.
She posted online: "Initial thoughts were great, they want to make sure people have space to pass given kids are having to social distance going in.
"Except there is a huge fence running the length of that side of the street, which they can't remove for safety of the kids," one local pointed out.
But contacted by Edinburgh Live about the scheme, a council spokesperson explained the fence was always going to be removed and workers had opted to install the bollards first.
It is expected the fence will be taken out in the coming days.
It comes as the council's Spaces for People programme, introduced at the start of the pandemic, faces vocal opposition from some groups.
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As many as 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing the scheme, introduced at the start of the pandemic to allow for increased space for people to walk and cycle.
The installation of extra walking spaces, segregated cycle lanes and a number of road closures are temporary, but with potential for extension based on consultation.
