WORK is to start this week on a safe footpath linking Huntingdon with Jubilee Park…despite campaigners being more than �13,000 off their fundraising target. Members of the Warren Hay Road Safety Action Group were still a long way from the �67,000 needed

WORK is to start this week on a safe footpath linking Huntingdon with Jubilee Park...despite campaigners being more than �13,000 off their fundraising target.

Members of the Warren Hay Road Safety Action Group were still a long way from the �67,000 needed to build the path from the A141 to the football facilities at Jubilee Park.

However, Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed to carry out the work, covering the cash shortfall until the group can raise the rest of the money.

The action group was set up after 16-year-old Warren Hay died when he was hit by a car as he crossed the A141 in Huntingdon. Since the teenager's death, the group led by Warren's mother, Maxine have campaigned for a safe crossing and path.

CCC, Huntingdonshire District Council and Huntingdon Town Council all agreed to fund a safety scheme for the road, which includes traffic signals and a staggered pedestrian crossing on the A141.

However, it had been feared that a footpath to link the new safety scheme to Jubilee Park would have to wait until the action group had raised enough money.

But yesterday (Tuesday) CCC said the work will start this week.

Mrs Hay welcomed the news and said the support she has received for the campaign has been tremendous.

"I would like to thank everyone, from individuals, to local and even large organisations who have pledged money and helped fundraise.

"I am glad that work has started on providing this much-needed path and ask people to help us reach the final total.

"I would also like to thank county council engineer Sue Parsons for bringing this all together so we can deliver this scheme."

The path will be built at the same time as the �500,000 improvements to the A141 and Kings Ripton Road junction.

Money for the paths has been pledged from the action group (�11,450), the FA, through Sports Huntingdon (�25,000), Huntingdon Freemans Charity (�10,000) and Lord De Ramsey has pledged to build the final link of the path within Jubilee Park.