When youngsters at a village primary school discovered a special route was being built so they could cycle safely to school they were delighted.

It was hoped the path would create a safe route for pupils at Cottingley Village Primary School so they could avoid busy roads.

But ten months on from the proposed opening date, frustrated pupils are still waiting to use it.

And because of heavy traffic on roads in the village they are unable to cycle to the Cottingley Moor Road school.

The delay in opening the path through the David Wilson Homes development has also meant plans for pupils to take part in this week's national Bike to School Week have been shelved.

The developer built the cycle and walking route as a condition when Bradford Council granted planning permission and as a result the school was chosen to take part in the Bike-It project run by the green transport charity Sustrans and funded by the bicycle industry.

Bike-it schools officer Vicki Hill said the off-road cycle route was supposed to open ten months ago to pupils and, although they are not allowed to use it, residents can.

"It's incredibly sad and frustrating for the school - and for us," she said.

"The school was picked over many other schools, in many other areas, to be part of Bike-It because of what we thought was the imminent opening of this link path.

"Coupled with the enthusiasm of parents and staff - not to mention the children - we hoped to turn the school from one of the worst congested to one of the least, with healthier safer ways for the children to avoid the cars piled up at their gates and get to school by walking on or on their bikes."

Mrs Hill said David Wilson Homes had promised on several occasions to open the path and have now said it will finally open in July.

"Bike-It is a one-off project," she said. "We do not have time to wait for David Wilson Homes' convenience. These children need a safe cycling and walking route right now."

Cottingley primary teacher Philip Sharp, who cycles to school every day, said many pupils wanted to cycle to get exercise and help reduce the number of vehicles using roads.

Myrtle Park Primary in Bingley and Crossflatts Primary in Crossflatts have also been chosen to take part in the scheme and youngsters will cycle to school this week.

Sustrans regional manager Dave Stevens said: "I have inspected the site and there is no reason I can see why the children are being kept away, other than David Wilson Homes wanting things that way," he said.

"Bike-It is a fantastic opportunity for this school to be of real benefit to the community. We are doing all we can to get this path opened as soon as possible."

David Wilson Homes was unavailable for comment.