A PETITION has been started and residents turned out in force in Quarry Bank to demand Dudley Council takes action to reinstate a public right of way which has been closed for more than a year.

More than 50 residents turned out to “vent their frustration” over the continued closure of the footpath connecting Lynval Road with Thorns Road.

The formerly well-used path, which runs alongside Kettle and Toaster Man in Thorns Road, was used often by parents taking children to school, dog owners, walkers, runners, and people wanting to take a short cut.

According to Quarry Bank councillor Chris Barnett, Dudley Council temporarily closed the footpath more than a year ago amid safety concerns after the path became prone to flooding and minor land slips.

Cllr Barnett (Labour) said footpath users have been left furious that the issue has not been resolved and have reached the end of their tether.

The councillor recently met with residents at a protest meeting to call on the council to take action to get the footpath restored and re-opened as soon as possible.

He said: “Over 50 residents came here to vent their frustration at the lack of action by Dudley Council, and they have added their names to a petition demanding an immediate resolution by Dudley Council.”

Cllr Barnett said he plans to deliver the petition to the cabinet member for highways and environment at the next scrutiny meeting on Monday November 27.

Councillor Damian Corfield, the council’s cabinet member for highways and environment, told the News: “We share in some of our residents’ frustration that this public right of way path remains temporarily closed due to safety concerns.

“Investigation works are currently underway in the area, which could affect the stability of the land, and so we cannot reopen the path at this time. However, we will continue to work with the landowners to reopen the path once it is practicable to do so.

“In the meantime, there are several alternative safe routes in the area, which add a short amount of journey time for pedestrians.”