Parents of Oakbank School students are being urged to go online to support a footpath petition.

Shopkeeper David Mortimer wants them to back his campaign for a pavement along Ingrow Lane.

He believes the support of hundreds of parents will be vital in persuading Bradford Council to fund the path.

Mr Mortimer, who runs Bracken Bank Stores, began his campaign last month after Oakbank banned students from using the sports centre entrance to leave the school grounds at lunchtime.

The measure, aimed at protecting students from traffic, has dramatically reduced Mr Mortimer’s lunch-time custom.

Mr Mortimer initially attracted 150 signatures for a paper petition in his shop. Now he has started an online petition, demanding a footpath from the junction of Bracken Bank Avenue up to Oakworth Road.

Mr Mortimer said: “We need 1,500 signatures to force a council meeting on the subject.

“This does sound like a hard target but if the parents sign the petition it’s easily achievable. We can hopefully make a positive change for pupils, residents and future generations.” Visit epetition.bradford.

public-i.tv and click on live petitions.