VOLUNTEERS have been busy installing steps on an ancient pathway on Halesowen’s greenbelt.

The 1,000-year-old holloway on Coombeswood Green Wedge, close to Pottery Farm was a drovers route and has been impassable for many years.

Sue Yeadon, from the Friends of Coombeswood said the work had been made possible thanks to support from the farm owners and Cllr Hillary Bills, who obtained funding from Dudley Council.

Conservationist Roy Burgess, of Hales Owen Abbey Trust, drew up technical details and Leasowes wardens and volunteers, along with the Friends of Coombeswood carried out the work.

Mrs Yeadon said: “We are really pleased to have achieved the improvements to the public footpath which for many years remained impassable.”

She added there was still some work to complete before they hold an official opening.

The next project for the friends, working with the wardens, is scrub clearance and grassland improvement for ground nesting birds.

Work parties are held every third Saturday between 10am and noon. They also hope to raise funds to install a topograph to surrounding viewpoints.

Anyone wishing to be involved can contact Mrs Yeadon on 07870 476777.