MUCH needed plans to improve a well-used alleyway between two Bromsgrove high schools have been completed.

Work on Pig Alley, which runs between Bromsgrove School and Bromsgrove South, started in July.

It included widening the path to allow for use by pedestrians, cyclists and those using mobility scooters, improving drainage and updating the lighting to make it more effective and more efficient.

The improvements were part of Worcestershire County Council’s scheme to improve walking and cycling routes in Bromsgrove.

Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: "This is a very popular route for parents and school children, so it’s great that the work finished on schedule and in time for the return to school.

“As a council, we’re committed to providing people in and around Bromsgrove with viable alternatives to getting in the car and this is just one example of the work taking place across the town to improve walking and cycling routes.”

The route through Pig Alley now has a new three-metre-wide surfaced path from the north, off Conway Road down to the south where it stops at Charford Road.

All the lighting has been replaced and upgraded to LED lighting and the trees have been thinned out to allow more natural light on to the alley.

New drainage has been installed, with the path raised up in certain areas to help prevent pooling of water and new fencing has been installed where needed.

Chris Smith, headteacher of South Bromsgrove High, said: “The widening of the alleyway next to the school, along with the improvements to the lighting, should make the access to school much safer and address the flooding issues we have been experiencing.

"We are very pleased with the result.”

The works at Pig Alley add to improvements in the scheme already progressing well at Sanders Park and those already completed at Windsor Street.

Work is also set to start later this month on Kidderminster Road and later this year on Hanover Street.