A FOUR-ACRE community wood could be created on land at Rubery with pupils from a nearby school helping with the planting.

In 1993 Bromsgrove District Council gave the go-ahead for the wood in Birch Road.

But a dispute over ownership and a lengthy legal battle meant the scheme had to be put on hold.

The matter has now been settled in the council's favour.

Members of the council's recreation, amenities and touri-sm committee are set to look at the scheme again at their meeting next Tuesday.

The land forms a backdrop to the housing estate in Birch Road and Beaconside First and Middle School, in Hazel Road.

The authority has allocated £20,000 towards the cost of planting woods in the district. Grants are also available from the Forestry Commission.

Tree planting schemes are already set to start this autumn at Watt Close, Round Hill allotments and King George Close.

If the Rubery scheme is approved, work will start later this year and children from Beaconside First and Middle School will be invited to help with the planting.