Express & Star

Plans for new pedestrian link to Bescot Stadium

Work to create a new walking route which will link up with Bescot Stadium has been announced.

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Bescot Stadium

Sandwell Council has announced £70,000 plans for a new walking scheme to improve the existing public rights of way in the Bescot area, including better access to the Lidl distribution centre, Gallagher Retail Park and Bescot Stadium.

The proposed improvement work will include the construction of a tarmac footpath and bridge over the weir to the balancing ponds behind.

The move has been welcomed by regeneration bosses.

Councillor Paul Moore, cabinet member for regeneration and economic investment with Sandwell Council, said: “The benefits of undertaking this work are numerous and would provide better access to the local train station, Gallagher Retail Park and Bescot Retail Park.

"There are real benefits for employees, commuters and shoppers.”

The council has announced it is set to appoint contractors imminently with a view to completing this work by April 2018.

Councillor David Hosell, cabinet member for highways and environment, said the work will open up a longer walking route connecting Walsall, Wednesbury and West Bromwich.

He said: “Putting in a new footbridge and improving the footpath will make good the entire length of the footpath, which was previously in two sections, so that it becomes part of longer walk