Council still in dispute with community groups as work set to start on Wolverhampton nature reserve

It follows what the council said were "longstanding issues of anti-social behaviour at the site including timber gates and fencing being vandalised, businesses suffering damage and valley users reportedly feeling unsafe".

But members of Smestow Valley Liaison Group and the Tettenhall and District Community Trust (TDCT) claim they have not been consulted properly since an 'information session' in early November - and work had already commenced when it was held.

The two groups launched a petition and called on the council to be compliant with the Tettenhall Neighbourhood Plan policies and methods of consultation, and to be sympathetic to the aesthetic nature of the areas.

A joint statement said the barriers are unnecessary except for at entry and exit points and locations should be consulted and agreed with residents living in the area. It also said the barriers, if installed, present a new safety issue for dog owners, and that little has changed since November.

Work at the site off Bridgnorth Road is set to start on Monday but members of the group say they will protest there.

Neil Kelshaw from the TDCT said: "We feel there has not been meaningful consultation, or that the council has accepted and are actioning the remedial work urgently required, to address the risk to residents and their dogs. 

"The plan for the barriers is vague and generalised and does not meaningfully and specifically answer any of the policy matters raised, does not detail what changes have been made and does not satisfy residents' needs in terms of safety.

"It also does not materially answer why £193k is required for 50 barriers when the local groups have not yet agreed to such a solution, and we have repeatedly indicated we need a solution at perimeters of perhaps a dozen or so, maybe 20."

In a letter to the groups, Dave Millington, the green spaces and bereavement lead on Wolverhampton Council, said: "Following this thorough review and consideration of all perspectives, the decision has been made to proceed with the contract and the installation of the motorcycle barriers and fencing as originally planned. 

"Minor amendments to the contract for the treatment of some areas has been made following feedback received. This decision was reached to address the long-standing issues of anti-social behaviour at the site. 

"We appreciate the input provided by the Friends group throughout this process. The council remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the area for all users."