A teenager’s campaign for footpath along a busy lane are a step closer to becoming a reality.

Laurence Marshall started the Let’s Put a Path on Highsted Road campaign in March after he was nearly hit by a car while walking to and from Borden Grammar School.

While there is pavement for a long stretch of the road, pedestrians heading towards Rodmersham are forced to walk on the road past the junction of Farm Crescent.

Fearing someone would die before action was taken by Kent Highways, the 17-year-old, of Snowdrop Walk, Sittingbourne,started a petition. It has been signed by 191 people.

At the same time former county councillor Mike Whiting has also been calling for a path in the area for the past couple of years.

Now it looks set to happen after he received a letter from David Brazier, KCC cabinet member for transport and environment, saying funding has been set aside for a new footway, with a view to building it in 2014/15.

The main issue, though, is the lack of sufficient land to install it within the highway boundary.

Cllr Brazier said: “An initial site visit has shown that to put the footway on the east side of the road, there would be a number of third parties to deal with, - the Haysel residents whose properties back on to the road.

“There are also street light columns to move, and we would have to construct retaining wall structures as you move towards the junction with Swanstree Avenue. On the other (western) side of Highsted Road we would have to move the school’s security fence and take down a small number of trees; however we would most likely be dealing with just one landowner (the school land), and there are no level differences that require retaining wall structures.

“The next step will be to commission a topographic survey. This will be used to cost up the options on either side of the road, we will then be in a position to take a view on which option is the preferred one.

“Negotiations will then take place with the affected landowners, and if a successful conclusion is reached, public consultation upon the proposals will follow.”

The news has been welcomed by both Mike Whiting, cabinet member for localism at Swale council, and Laurence.

Cllr Whiting said: “During my time as a KCC councillor for the area I met with most of the residents who own the land at the side of the road. All were keen to help if they could.”

Laurence said: “I’m pleased. “I’m glad they’ve taken it seriously.

“Hopefully it will save lives in the future. Thanks to everyone for their support.”