A NATURE reserve was given a timely spruce-up as part of Sandwell Council’s Safer 6 campaign in Cradley Heath.

Countryside rangers, maintenance assistants and neighbourhood services staff took part in the makeover at Codsall Cppice, with support from the police.

They spent a morning cutting back overhanging bushes and trees and picking up litter - removing nearly half a tonne of green waste.

Safer 6, which was launched at the end of September, is six weeks of targeted action and community safety work across Sandwell's six towns. It aims to give added reassurance during the darker nights, fireworks and bonfire season – a time when crime and anti-social behaviour can often rise.

Councillor Barbara Price, Rowley Regis town lead member on Sandwell Council, said: "A few of the paths had become a little overgrown because of the weather we'd had this year.

“Everything has grown so quickly, so it was great to see our park rangers and estates services staff spruce up part of the reserve as part of the Safer 6 campaign."