WORK is set to begin to improve a public footpath across a disputed tract of open land in Malvern.

Worcestershire County Council, which is responsible for maintaining footpaths, will be laying down stones on the path crossing Hay-slan Field, off Pickersleigh Road.

The field is owned by Malvern Girls' College, but has been the focus of attempts by residents to have it given village green status.

The work will begin on Monday, August 19, when the council will lay down stones and gravel to deal with muddy areas on the path and cut back a hedge.

"The college is delighted to be able to assist the council in imp-roving the amenities for people using the public footpaths in this area," said bursar Sam Hesketh.

Much of the field, though not official rights-of-way, was plou-ghed up by the college earlier this year. It was done on legal advice to assert college ownership. The field is used by local people for dog-walking and recreation, but there are fears the college wants to develop the land.

Pickersleigh Residents Group is pushing for the field to be given protected "village green" status.