A six week programme to improve pedestrian access near Ruiton Mill is set to start at the end of the month.

The works will widen Vale Street to provide a 2m wide pedestrian footway near to Ruiton Mill and will also create a new car park and pedestrian access to the Mill. 

Work is set to start on 29 July and in the initial period, Vale Street will be closed to through traffic between Duke Street and Moden Close to allow the removal of the existing stone wall and additional preparatory works to take place. 

Once this phase of work is complete, a temporary one way system will be in operation, allowing traffic to travel in a southerly direction from Moden Hill towards Hill Street. Pedestrian and emergency access will be maintained at all times, with vehicular access to frontages in place where safe to do so. Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member, environmental, highways and street services:

"These are important works which the people of Gornal have been waiting for.

"We know that there will be some disruption during these works, and we ask that people bear with us while we undertake these improvements."

In order to minimise any future disruption, South Staffordshire Water will be undertaking repairs to their mains distribution work In Vale Row while the roadworks are underway.

Letters are going out to residents this week, and if people want further information they can speak to Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.