mmg.com.au

Campaspe Shire still intends to extend a section of footpath in Sutton St, adjacent to Echuca East Primary School, but its start date is not known.

Principal Lyn Strachan said the issue of footpaths around the school had been raised with the shire for a couple of years.

Infrastructure, Facilities and Commercial executive manager Kelly Sampson said money was set aside in the 2012-13 budget for community projects.

‘‘During the 2012-13 budget development process, community submissions were received requesting allocation of funding for important footpath linkages,’’ she said.

‘‘An amount of $79,800 was allocated to support these requests, with the submission received from the Echuca East Primary School considered a priority.

‘‘A section of footpath in Sutton St, adjacent to the school, will be extended to cover the new entrance and school drop off area.’’

Ms Sampson said any remaining funds would then be considered for future linkages, with Butcher St and Francis St north of Hospital Ave.

‘‘In addition to capital allocation to provide new footpaths, the 2012-13 budget has allocated $200,000 for the maintenance and renewal of existing footpaths,’’ she said.

Mrs Strachan said work needed to be done to improve footpaths around the school.

‘‘There is nothing to link the rear of the school with the arts centre. It is okay in the summer when the ground is dry, but when it is wet it is hard to walk on,’’ he said.

‘‘I appreciated (former councillor) Judith O’Farrell’s support in making it a priority,’’ she said.

‘‘The shire needs to be looking at improving footpaths in Echuca’s east.’’

Parents had also raised concerns about a lack of footpaths in streets leading to the school, with students forced to walk on the road in some parts.