Chipping Norton residents showed the value of people power as they persuaded a housing developer not to close a footpath.

More than 120 people in the town signed a petition against the decision by Persimmon Homes to temporarily close a path that runs around a new housing development.

Parents who signed the petition said the footpath by Cooper Close, Chipping Norton, provided a safe route for children to get to school - avoiding busy town centre roads.

The housing developer initially said the path had to be closed for three months while the landscaping of new gardens was completed.

But, on Tuesday, two directors from the company met local resident John Osmond who started the petition.

They agreed to re-open the path on October 16 after utility work had been completed.

Mr Osmond is delighted that Persimmon Homes have taken the step.

He said: "I have to take my hat off to them.

"The representatives walked down to the junction of Albion Street and London Street with me and saw for themselves how difficult it was to cross the road in that area.

"There is no pedestrian crossing on that road and if you have to cross it with a pushchair, it is not very pleasant at all. The penny has dropped with them that the health and safety issues went far beyond their site walls.

"A few hours later, I got a phone call from Persimmon saying they would open the path on October 16.

"We are delighted with the result. This is the first time I have done a protest of any kind in my life.

"We are very grateful to the company for taking this action. It is their land and it is not a legally recognised right of way.

"They are going to have to put money and effort into keeping it open."

Martin Howard, construction director for Persimmon Homes South Midlands confirmed the decision.

He said: "We have carried out an extensive risk assessment and after much consideration, we can confirm that the temporary access footpath will open on Monday, October 16.

"The footpath will close for eight days as site preparation work is carried out.

"After that time, the temporary footpath will open, which will benefit local schoolchildren who have come to rely on using the pathway.

"We remain committed to opening a permanent footpath as soon as practically possible."