NEW signs, fencing and upgraded lighting is all set to be part of a £150,000 scheme to improve a public footpath near Rowley Regis Hospital.

The path between Highams Close and Curral Road – which is currently used by people who don’t want to walk along Moor Lane, which has no footpaths in parts – will be totally resurfaced, with new steps provided on the switchback section near Highams Close.

The area will also be tidied up and vegetation will be cut back as it is currently wildly overgrown, while the entrances to the right of way will also be improved.

Issues for walkers using Moor Lane were raised through public consultation as part of the ‘Sandwell Streets For People’ consultation.

Council bosses hope the improvements will make the footpath safer for pedestrians, as well as providing better access for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.

Councillor Paul Moore, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and investment, said: “We had a lot of feedback about this right of way and how we could make it easier and safer for people to use.

“The main thing is for us to give people an alternative to using Moor Lane, which is a difficult road for pedestrians as it doesn’t have a pavement in places due to the width of the road.”

Ward councillors and members of the public will be consulted on the plans before work starts.

The council’s cabinet member for highways and environment, Cllr David Hosell, added: “We’ve taken on board what people said and we’re now consulting with ward councillors and the public before taking forward our plans.

“We’re also looking at traffic calming measures in Moor Lane to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.”