PLANS have been drawn up for extensive work at Plymouth Road cemetery and war memorial gardens to return them to their former splendour.

Redditch Council's director of leisure, customer and business support, Paul Patten, told residents at a Central and Southcrest Neighbourhood Group Meeting that much of the work would be completed by November in time for Remembrance Day.

At previous meetings, residents had complained about the overgrown and dilapidated state of the area.

The first proposals involve removing the existing chain link fence next to Plymouth Road and carrying out tree and shrub pruning works to enhance the site and ensure future maintenance work is easier.

Two entrance gates will be refurbished as they are of historical importance and access points to the site will be created from Plymouth Road.

The council will also look into having new gateposts made using the existing posts by the cemetery as a model.

These will be put around the memorial, possibly with railings, to highlight the area.

Mr Patten said: "This major work is designed to enhance the look and feel of the area and to improve visibility.

"Through these works we're returning the gardens to their former splendour and creating a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing garden for people to enjoy and spend time reflecting in."

Mr Patten said the council had also applied for a Heritage Lottery Grant to carry out work on Church Green and was awaiting the outcome.