Work costing £80,000 to upgrade footpaths in a Staffordshire town is now under way. The work on a stretch of footpaths along Cannock Road in Burntwood is expected to last for around nine weeks.

It is part of a £1 million investment from Staffordshire County Council. The cash is being ploughed into upgrading roads across Lichfield district to bring them up to the necessary standard. County councillor Eric Drinkwater represents the Burntwood North area.

He raised the issue with the county council after he was told disabled residents were struggling to negotiate the pavements.

Councillor Drinkwater added: “I’m pleased the area is receiving such a significant investment from the county council.

“Footpath improvements are really important to lots of people, the highway network is for the whole community.”

Gill Freeman, aged 61, lives in Mease Avenue just off the Cannock Road, and said: “I use a wheelchair and these last two years it has been an absolute nightmare, the pavement just bounces you up and down.

“I have problems with my joints and using the pavements gave me aches and pains. I’m so pleased it’s going to be sorted out.”

Staffordshire Highways has said its team will do everything it can to minimise disruption to the local community, but drivers have been warned they may face minor delays.

The team will be on site from Monday to Friday and some weekends.

Access to houses and businesses will be maintained throughout, although the council has said there may be restrictions at times while essential repair work takes place outside each property.

Questions about the work or concerns about how the scheme is being carried out, should be directed to the Staffordshire Roads and Lighting hotline on 0800 232323, or via clarence@ staffordshire.gov.uk