A COUNCILLOR has cut back more than a mile of overgrown vegetation, which was forcing pedestrians into the road.

Tom Wells spent five days clearing the pathway on the Upton Road (B4424), using a strimmer and a pair of shears.

The Malvern Hills District Council member claims the county council told him it was too dangerous to tackle without traffic lights.

Mr Wells said: "It's a mile-and-a-half stretch. Lots of people beeped their horns and put thumbs up to me as I worked.

"I've cut back the vegetation, verges and hedges that have been obstructing the footpath from the Old Hills, through Callow End and up to the entrance to Powick.

"At one point I discovered a bench near the Old Hills when I cut it all back."

Mr Wells added that he also cleared the area around the bus shelter in Callow End.

He said: "It was so overgrown that people had come to me and said we can't use the shelter as it makes it impossible for the driver to see us."

The councillor had been asking for the county council to carry out road maintenance for weeks, however he finally decided it was easier to do it himself.

He carried out work every day from Monday to Friday last week, spending around 10 hours in total on the job.

Jon Fraser, community engagement relationship manager at Worcestershire County Council, said: "Whenever the county council is contacted about vegetation overhanging on to footpaths, an assessment is carried out and appropriate action is taken, with traffic management measures put in place so that everyone is kept safe throughout the duration of the works.

"This particular matter was raised with us but before the appropriate safety measures could be put in place, we understand the work was carried out by the individual."