A £170,000 pedestrian crossing still under wraps three months after it was installed may finally be opened next month.

As we previously reported, the Bromwich Road crossing has stayed shut because of safety concerns that a nearby hedge would prevent drivers getting a clear view of the crossing.

Worcestershire County Council wanted to buy the land the hedge sits on so they could remove the hedge, rather than ask the landowner, the dean and chapter of Worcester Cathedral, to cut it regularly.

Council staff said buying the 23 metres square patch of land for £2,000 would be the most cost-effective long-term solution.

However, because the deal is taking longer than expected, the council has spent £250 to trim the hedge so the crossing, off the New Road junction, can open.

A council spokesman said: “The planned acquisition of land, which will enable us to remove part of the hedge to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists in the area in the long term, is still progressing.

“In the interim, we have arranged for the hedge to be trimmed back so we can go through the final safety checks, which will involve officers from the county council and West Mercia Police. We are hoping this work will enable us to get the crossing working in November.

“We understand why this delay may have caused frustration but we cannot take any risks when it comes to the safety of pedestrians and motorists.”

Although he could not say when the deal would go through, he said the council did not expect to trim the hedge again.

Once the sale has been agreed the council will replace the hedge with a gateway into the land, used by King’s school pupils.