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The link between Foljambe Drive and Chesterhill Avenue’s rebuilt properties provides a convenient cut-through for the junior school or bus stops at Thrybergh.

But the edge of the new estate – built by Equans in a partnership with Rotherham Council – does not meet the old pathway, so it remains closed off.

Foljambe Drive resident Margaret Adshead (82) used to use the path several times a week to get to the nearest bus stop but now has to walk all the way into Dalton.

She said: “The snicket has been there since these houses were built, and I’ve lived here for 60 years.

“There’s a lady next door to me who’s 89 and used to use it walk up and see her daughter in Thrybergh, now she has to go the long way round and it’s very steep.

“They shut it off when they were building the new houses but never opened it.

“I went across to see their gaffer and he told me they were waiting for the council to give permission, but the council said they’re waiting for the others. So who’s telling lies?”

Cllr Michael Bennett-Sylvester, Dalton & Thrybergh ward member on RMBC, said: “This really is a farcical situation. If it involves a gradient of more than 1:10 it will require a special surface or handrails.

“This path would provide the quickest route for parents wanting to walk to Foljambe School from the development or to the nearest bus route on Oldgate Lane for residents living on Foljambe Avenue.

“From this to mud on the roads, to inconsiderate parking, to snags, to several changes of management of the site, Equans have often not covered themselves in glory as a development partner through the building of Chesterhill and Whinney Hill.”

Equans passed our request for comment on to RMBC.

Sam Barstow, the council’s assistant director for community safety and streetscene, said: “The path has remained closed due to the new pathway being at a different level to the current highway.

“Once this is resolved the footpath will be opened to the public as soon as feasibly possible.”