WHEN nothing was done to clear the flooded path between their main school site and playing fields, practically-minded students from The Downs Malvern College constructed their own boardwalk to navigate the hazard.

But they were dismayed this week when they were told that the structure, which had been welcomed by villagers who also use the path, had to be removed.

A drain in Cowl Barn Lane, linking Brockhill Road and Mathon Road, broke in November, sending foul water overflowing onto the path.

This left the Colwall school with the option of either sending youngsters through the unhealthy looking water, or risking their safety by having them walk to the games fields via Mathon Road, a winding route with no footpath.

Headteacher Alistair Cook said that, despite numerous calls to Herefordshire Council, the problem remained.

“Nothing has happened at all, although on several occasions promises have been made,” he said. “Even during the very dry months at the start of this summer term, the footpath was flooded and impassable.”

This prompted members of the headmaster’s outdoor activity club to build “duckboards” to navigate the water, based on their studies of life in the trenches in World War One.

This proved a great success until it was hastily disassembled on Monday (June 21) on the order of Herefordshire Council.

“It is very disappointing, as the children have done their bit and more to help locals and visitors use the footpath safely,” said Mr Cook.

The Gazette contacted Herefordshire Council on Monday but had not received a response at the time of going to press. However Mr Cook said the interest seemed to have “spurred the council into action”, and that he has been told the path will be fully repaired within two weeks.