The deadline for objections to the extinquishing order for what is called footpath 21 between the Chanctonbury estate and the town centre was October 2.

And protestors are delighted at the volume of objections lodged as they battle to prevent the order being imposed.

As revealed in the Mid Sussex Times last week, education bosses want the popular path, which runs through the grounds of Oakmeeds Community College and close to London Meed Primary School, closed for security reasons to reduce crime and disorder.

Alan White, one of the campaigners, said residents at Queens Crescent, near Oakmeeds Community College, had also gathered their own petition of about 20 names in addition to the main petition.

Campaigners fear if the closure goes ahead people will have to take a longer route on more crowded pavements and roads instead of taking a safe and direct walk across playing fields and through school grounds.

Mr White said: "I have spoken to to the county council and they have received about 70 letters of objection. We have 243 names on our petition and they had a petition of about 20 names at Queens Crescent, where they already have a problem with parking and will have more people coming through the area.

"So by the deadline last Thursday there were well over 300 objections lodged."

An inquiry is expected to be held into the proposed closure, which is the first time new anti-crime measures for schools have been invoked.
Oakmeeds, which takes its name from the oaks in the school grounds and the old Meeds pottery, was opened more than 50 years ago as Oakmeeds Secondary Modern School and the path has been used by generations of families.