Parents have hit out at a decision to build a cycle path that cuts off the entrance to a children's play park - saying it could leave their little ones in danger.

Parents living on Tannock Road, Stockport, say their children used to be able to play in the nearby park safely with their parents knowing they are close by. But now they say a decision made by the council has them worried that their children may be hurt going out to play.

A wide cycle path, designed to be a shared path by the council according to residents, curves through the small field, cutting off the entrance the kids use to access the playground to the slide and swing. It means children have to cross it to access the play park.

Despite parents and other residents objections, the work has gone ahead. They say they are now 'scared' for their children going to the small community play area with the path currently surrounded by large metals fences, meaning kids have to go to the main road to access it.

Parent Anna said: "We like them playing here rather than Torkington park because we know they're close by and safe and don't have to cross the main road. We'd rather them have spent the money on more play equipment for the kids. We don't need this."

Her thoughts were echoed by the kids who also live on Tannock Road, who had even made signs asking for the council to leave their park alone. They instead wondered why the council didn't spend money on growing their small park, wanting a climbing frame, more swings and even a roundabout.

In the past some residents had put in goalposts allowing the kids to play football on the grass, but they were taken out and now the grassy area has been cut in two by the path, preventing any more football matches.

A number claimed they were left 'confused and annoyed' over an alleged lack of transparency about the path. Residents claim that a letter from the council announced works on Dunvegan Road and other streets in the area but did not mention any proposals of the cycle path, leaving them in the dark until construction began.

But it isn't just the path causing problems, the crews working on them have also created issues, making the situation more 'dangerous' for the younger residents.

Maggie, whose niece lives on the road, said: "It feels like they've spent the money in the wrong place, without consulting anyone."

Her thoughts were echoed by resident Bev, who lives on Tannock Road, with son Bryn. She says she also had troubles with the construction of the path and 'didn't understand' the need for it.

"They cut through my internet wire," she said. "I don't understand why they've put it in. No one is going to cut through our road to get anywhere. Were worried that it'll just encourage anti-social behaviour or electric bikes and scooters."

The path also runs down the back of some residents houses, into a small ginnel where they place their bins, with the council deciding to put in lights, according to residents, to light the path.

Not only are they concerned about the lights keeping them and their children who sleep facing the ginnel awake, cyclists or motorists using the path could knock them over when accessing the ginnel as well as the kids going out to play.

Stockport council have previously commented on the issue.

Councillor Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services at Stockport Council, said: “The new infrastructure is part of our ongoing commitment to improve our walking and cycling links around the borough

“The path is similar to many cycle routes through parks within Stockport, including Torkington Park nearby, and these operate in a safe manner. The park will remain open and accessible to all while the works take place.”