A CASH injection of £85,000 from the government's levelling up fund will help improve access and enhance the natural environment at Russells Hall Park in Dudley.

Dudley Council is working with the Friends of Russells Hall Park to invest the money to improve park pathways and create a more welcoming entrance on Middlepark Road by resurfacing the car park, creating a community garden and installing new signage.

New trees will also be planted and there will be vegetation management to reduce overgrown shrubs that enclose the Overfield Road entrance. Wildflower areas will also be created and work carried out to improve the hedgerow.

Councillor Shaz Saleem, Dudley Council's cabinet member for highways and public realm, said: "With this additional investment, we can enhance the park and open space for the benefit of everyone in the community.

"As well as improving access around the park, we’re looking to enhance the natural environment to support local wildlife to flourish.

"I’m pleased we’re able to carry out this work with the support of the Friends group."

Gemma Blackford, chairperson of the Friends group, said: "This funding will help us realise some of our key aspirations for the park.

"It is tremendous news for our community and I hope the park will be treasured and enjoyed now and for many generations to come."

Work is expected to be completed later this year.