CAMPAIGNERS will keep fighting for safety barriers along a school route despite their wishes being flatly refused.

Cheshire County Council has said it will not install barriers along a walking and cycling route by the A556 after a three-year fight by residents and councillors of Davenham and Moulton.

Clr Arthur Wood, Davenham Parish Council chairman, said: "Cheshire County Council just want to draw a line under it.

"I don't think they will take any notice of us trying to resurrect it but this doesn't mean we should stop - we will carry on pursuing it and keep it alive."

Campaigners began pushing for a safe route to the County High School Leftwich when a free school bus service was scrapped in January 2005.

Barriers were installed by the highways department but these were put up by Davenham roundabout rather than along the route itself.

Unexpected barriers have also been installed between the dual carriageway and houses in Hartford Road, which has bewildered councillors.

Clr John Curran said Hartford Road residents had asked for barriers or a reduced speed limit after a spate of accidents on the A556 but were told they would not get the measures.

"All of this was flatly refused and they actually said their policy is to do the absolute minimum to be effective," he said.

"They put wooden boards with chevrons up and it seemed to work then, uninvited, they put a limit on the corner then barriers - but they've refused to do this where everyone in Davenham says they should, which is by the school.

"It's so contrary."

Clr Wood said: "I was pleased about it but thought it was a bit odd - we were told they can't do this but then out of the blue they did it."