Residents have spoken of their frustration over recurrent flooding on a footpath which leads to a junior school and a high school.

A discussion was sparked on social media when a man posted that someone had placed ‘breeze blocks’ down as stepping stones on a flooded section of a footpath that leads to Eagley Junior School and Turton High School.

The path runs between Lords Stile Lane and Chapeltown Road, and the Bromley Cross resident said he thought the makeshift stepping stones were dangerous as he nearly tripped over them in the dark.

Dean Kirwin, who placed the stones down, said he only put them there as “all the children and families struggle every time it rains and they all get soaking wet".

He said: “If this is upsetting people they will be removed immediately.”

Some footpath users spoke out in praise of Mr Kirwin and say him placing the stones down has helped. 

Residents have been calling for a more permanent solution although a council spokesperson has now confirmed it is not possible. 

Nicola Savage, whose child uses the footpath to walk to school, said: “Yes I agree, they’re a hazard, but children need to be able to walk to school without being knee deep in puddles.”

Another parent said: “Well done to whoever put them down, Thank you!

“Could the council look into getting this path sorted in a more permanent manner and the one across the field that connects the schools as it is a nightmare in winter (or anytime it rains).”

Bromley Cross councillor Sam Connor wrote in a post: “I have been trying, the pathway is mostly the responsibility of the two schools - Turton & Eagley. 

“Drainage costs would be too expensive to be met by the schools budgets.” 

In a letter of response from Robert Woods, the principal engineer at Bolton Council, it is estimated that the cost of works to the council would be £6,000, as well as an additional £6,000 to the schools. 

Mr Woods also pointed out in his letter that the council's budget for Public Rights of Way maintenance is only £19,000 per annum.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “Upon previous inspection of this footpath, a drainage system was calculated as being too costly for the extent of the problem.

“The route is regularly inspected and whilst we understand the issue is frustrating for some pedestrians, standing water on footpaths is considered an inconvenience rather than a required repair, as stated in the Highways Act 1980.”