A Braybrook school and its neighbours are tussling over the future of a public walkway.
Caroline Chisholm Catholic College says the strip of land at the end of the Treloar Crescent cul-de-sac has for years attracted drug use and dumped rubbish but residents say the walkway is the safest way to reach nearby shops and playgrounds.
Maribyrnong council last week began the process of discontinuing the “road” and selling the 477-square-metre parcel of land to the Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation for the Diocese of Melbourne on behalf of the school for $209,000.
A report on the proposal noted the sale could improve safety for school students but force some residents to walk an extra 250 metres to reach shops on Churchill Avenue.
College principal Marco DiCesare said the walkway had long created problems, forcing school maintenance staff to pick up used syringes and dumped rubbish.
“We have been working with the council on this for a number of years, to make this area safer,” he said.
Mr DiCesare said the sale of the walkway would enable students to reach the school’s trades training centre and swimming pool without having to pass through locked gates.
“We are part of the community,” he said. “This isn’t just about us – it’s about making the whole area safer for everyone.”
Resident Kate Habgood said the street’s families use the shortcut each day to avoid busy Churchill Avenue.
“It’s a right of way for the use of everyone, it exists for the benefit of the residents and I don’t really understand why the school would take this step,” she said.
Ms Habgood said she was worried about children being forced to spend more time near Churchill Avenue.
“This walkway is much safer for small children,” she said. “I would like to see the walkway remain where it is.”
Council corporate services director Celia Haddock said the sale of the walkway would allow the school to join two sites.
“This is likely to improve safety for students,” she said. “Council has planned works to upgrade Kindersmith Reserve and part of the upgrade works include the construction of additional access paths into the reserve and an access path linking Treloar Crescent to Darnley Street.”
The council is accepting comments for or against the proposal until March 18.
