WORK on the £25m Barnsley Academy can start after a government inspector overruled residents who complained about the loss of footpaths on the site.

The unpopular proposal to build the academy on Bank End playing fields has been delayed for months as opponents pressed for a public inquiry.

They claimed that footpaths criss-crossed the land and should be officially recognised by the council.

If the inspector, Martin Elliott, had agreed with them it would have meant nothing could be built on the site. But he has rejected the claims and supported the council's order to 'stop-up' the paths.

Helen Palfreman was one of the objectors who spoke at the inquiry in March. She was bitterly disappointed at Mr Elliott's decision but refused to rule out taking further action to challenge it.

Ms Palfreman said: "I am so upset about this, all you are going to see on Bank End playing fields is an 8ft fence surrounding a school.

"I feel we have a strong case. I shall be speaking with the other opposers of the project to see if it is possible to seek counsel's opinion on one or two issues in the report, both of fact and of law.

"Everyone is gutted and angry."

While opponents of the academy feel aggrieved staff employed by the United Learning Trust, which is building and running the school, are delighted.

Principal David Berry said: “We’re very pleased work can begin on the building and its fantastic facilities. The academy has already made a successful start at the Elmhirst site, but the new Bank End Road site will really enable us to bring out the very best in all of our students.”

Barnsley Council cabinet spokeswoman, Coun Linda Burgess, said: “I am very pleased the ULT is now in a position to start."

Work is expected to begin in the late summer.