DRAINAGE work at Bromsgrove’s Pig Alley was finally completed in time for pupils to return to school last week.
Children had previously been forced to wade through ankle-deep water on their way through the alleyway, which links South Bromsgrove High School with Conway Road and also runs near Bromsgrove School.
But after a new drainage system was installed, and the path raised up to prevent pooling of water, children made their way to school without getting drenched.
The finished works also includes new walking and cycling routes and improved appearance and accessibility to the alleyway.
Pathways have been widened by 3 metres to allow more room for cyclists and those using mobility scooters.
Lighting in the area has been replaced and upgraded to LED lighting and the trees thinned out to allow more natural light into the area.
After: The new and improved Pig Alley.
Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: “This is a very popular route for parents and school children.
“We’re committed to providing people in and around Bromsgrove with viable alternatives to getting in the car and this is just one example of what we’re doing.”
Chris Smith, headteacher of South Bromsgrove, said: “The widening of the alleyway, along with the improvements to the lighting, should make the access to our school much safer and address the flooding issues we have been experiencing.
After: Pig Alley.
“We are very pleased with the result.”
The project was funded via the Department for Transport’s ‘Productivity Investment Fund’, of which £3.4million was granted to the council to reduce congestion and improve routes in Bromsgrove.
Work is currently taking place at Sanders Park and also set to start later this year on Kidderminster Road and Hanover Street.
For more information visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20694/bromsgrove_improvements
