FOOTPATHS are to be kept tidy and drains unblocked in a Malvern Hills village as part of a pilot scheme that will see a return to methods not used for decades.

The job of a lengthsman, who used to be employed to keep villages tidy, is to be revived by Hanley Castle Parish Council.

Starting in September, the council will be employing someone to carry out tasks such as unblocking drains, clearing grates and verges, making sure footpaths do not get overgrown, digging out blocked gullies and cleaning soiled signs.

Parishes currently have to contact Worcestershire County Council's Highways Partnership Unit to deal with blocked drains, but under the new scheme should be able to deal with problems more quickly.

The new post will be funded by the county council and the lengthsman will work for up to 20-35 hours every month.

The council will decide whether to employ a local person or contract out for the work.

Parish clerk Ann Canham said she could not remember lengthsmen being employed in her 23 years' experience but added that she welcomed the new initiative.

"It's back to the old days but it's what people want," she said. "The money's going to come from the county council, and it will provide the tools. Now we've got to find the right person."

She said the parish council would discuss the matter at its next meeting on July 18 and, if everything went smoothly, would consider the possibility of entering into partnership with neighbouring councils who could benefit from the worker's skills during the time not spent in Hanley Castle.

Hanley Castle is one of sevenparish councils chosen by Worcestershire County Council for the pilot scheme. Others include Clifton-on-Teme and Beckford.

n Leigh and Bransford parish council is looking to employ a workman on an ad hoc basis but their role will not be quite as extensive.