THE creation of a new entrance and path in Halesowen’s Hawne Park has completed the first stage of improvements to the area.

Undertaken by the Friends of Hawne Park, the work has seen the installation of a new welcoming sign at the Short Street entrance, as well as a 176m long tarmac path from the sign to the Strolls car park.

The project was initiated following the creation of the friends group, which itself was formed out of concern over a series of house and shed robberies that took place in the area.

Many problems voiced at a community meeting in 2014 – which was attended by police, local councillors and Halesowen MP James Morris – concerned the park, such as anti-social behaviour and easy access over hedges.

This soon widened into the establishment of the friends group, backed by all of the Belle Vale councillors, with initial targets set on improving access and footpaths, clean-up the parkland and improve the appearance of all the entrances.

Since then, many litter picks and woodland work parties have been carried out with a considerable amount of time spent clearing and burning fallen trees to help tidy the neglected woodlands and streams.

Paths and steps have also been cleared to allow easier access, together with the new improvement work.

Belle Vale councillor Ian Cooper, who attended the recent opening of the entrance, said: “I am pleased that all the hard work put into the improvements to the park are finally bearing fruit.

“The Friends of Hawne Park have worked hard to clear and open up the tree canopy and remove lots of undergrowth, which sometimes goes unsung.

“The pathway and welcoming archway will act as very practical and visual reminders of all their hard work and dedication.”

Funding to complete the improvement work was raised from several sources, including Dudley Council’s community forum grants, a local lottery, quizzes in the Hawne Tavern and a number of social events. The shortfall in the funding was completed by a grant from Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust (ICET).

Cllr Cooper added: “I was pleased to secure the funding from the Dudley Council to build the pathway which will help people to avoid an area that often gets very muddy, while the community forum provided additional monies to build the arch.

“All local councillors support the friends group and we have cooperated well on it.”

Angela Haymonds, secretary of ICET, added: “Trustees were delighted to help fund the path to this popular park so many more people can enjoy it.

“The path makes it much easier for parents with prams and wheelchair users to get into the park particularly in the wet winter months.”

The group is now working towards improving the paths and steps in the woodland, developing a natural play area for younger children and improving the football pitch.

New volunteers are welcome to join the group and can find out more by visiting ‘Friends Of Hawne Park’ on Facebook.