FRUSTRATED villagers living near a rural road set for a controversial new footpath are overwhelmingly against the plans, it has been claimed.

Calls for a footpath on Steam Mill Road in Bradfield go back at least 40 years.

But arguments erupted when it was decided to install the path on the south side of the road, because some residents want it to be on the same side as the village shop.

Now residents have conducted their own survey of villagers living closest to the proposed path to prove they are unhappy.

Chris Hawes, of Steam Mill Road, said: “Only one reply came back saying they want it on the South Side, though I know there are others in the village who feel the same way.

“To be fair, I believe there is a need for a footpath, but there has not been consultation on where it should go and we are not being listened to.”