AN official route to school which was turned into a mudbath after maintenance work and recent torrential rain is being made passable just a week later.

The pathway, known as the Hilly Field Path, is used by students from Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath to get to Winterbourne International Academy.

Just seven days ago the route was completely impassable following surgery work carried out on nearby trees by electricity network operator Western Power Distribution. Heavy machinery and large vehicles were brought in to remove the tops of some trees to avoid them interfering with electricity supplies.

Last week we reported how heavy rainfall had made the churned-up path a mudbath.

However, following an on-site meeting last Thursday (January 30), it is now being resurfaced with hardstanding.

Cllr Dave Hockey (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell), who along with his wife Cllr Pat Hockey instigated the meeting with South Gloucestershire Council streetcare officers and Western Power representatives, said: “Just seven days ago the safer route to school was a mudbath.

“Two days after the on-site meeting to view the nightmare mud path, the scraper was in operation getting rid of a foot of mud from the path “Today, the work continues to make the path usable again for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. And the first section of the path, nearest to the River Frome now has a top stone dressing added.”

A heavy roller will be used to create a durable surface.

Cllr Hockey said the work was due to be completed this week He added: “Congratulations to all involved, including the Gazette for raising the profile of this problem and South Gloucestershire Council’s Streetcare team who responded so quickly to deal with it.

“We would like to thank all involved for their prompt action. It will enable schoolchildren from Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath to be able to walk and cycle on this designated safer route to school without getting so horrendously muddy.”

Western Power agreed to share the cost of the resurfacing with the council.