A RESIDENT falling into the busy A38 because of overgrown hedges has finally led to action.

The walker had fallen from a footpath alongside the A38 in Fernhill Heath when they tried to get to the village's new community field, Bull Meadow.

It had led County Councillor Marc Bayliss and Fernhill Heath Parish Council Chair Meg Farmer to team up and campaign for Worcestershire's highways team to finally cut the hedges.

The two are now overjoyed to finally say the work has been completed.

READ MORE: Developers buying up land for homes - so residents club together to buy 22-acre field

Cllr Bayliss said: “I am so pleased with the work the team has done to fix this issue for local residents.  

"They have made a big difference by really cutting back the bushes and trees and restoring the path to its correct width. 

The hedge on the A38 before it was cut.The hedge on the A38 before it was cut. (Image: Street View) "The parish council under Meg’s leadership has done such a great job in making the new recreational area at Bull Meadow such an attractive place that it was such a shame that some people couldn’t access it safely."

The public footpath had become very narrow due to years of overgrown bushes and trees along the A38.

Some village residents, especially those with mobility issues and in wheelchairs, were finding it almost impossible to get to the recreation ground at Bull Meadow. 

Cllr Bayliss said after hearing about the incident, he made it a personal commitment to get the work done to ensure residents did not continue to face danger.

"The path is now so much more user-friendly and safe," he said.

"It will also mean that resurfacing work on the path can be undertaken easier and make it even better.”

Bull Meadow - located just off the A38 before driving into Fernhill Heath - was originally agricultural land before residents took it over.

This land is designated for public use and has been purchased to protect the 22 acres from future developments.

Residents donated money, while Claines Parish Council also paid a large sum towards the purchase and applied for grants.

The total is believed to have cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, though a precise figure has not been revealed.

Events were also held to raise funds, including a fashion show and family events.