Disused Walsall railway set to benefit from upgrade to make it 'safe and accessible route'

Plans for the greenway were approved by Walsall Council to improve the McClean Way, a 4.89km route linking Pelsall and Walsall.

The route stretches from Station Road in Pelsall through Clayhanger to Miner’s Island in Brownhills. It has retained several historical remnants, including railway signals and portions of the old railway track bed. The project aims to maintain these features while upgrading the path for modern use.

The applicant, Sustrans, said the project has been made possible thanks to a funding package of around £1.75 million from National Highways and the Department for Transport.

The organisation said the scheme is likely to be delivered in stages, with the first phase focusing on a one-kilometre section from Station Road to Ryders Hayes Park. Further planned phases will be subject to funding availability.

Currently, the parts of the route can’t be used following heavy rainfall due to poor drainage. Volunteer groups had maintained the route over the years, clearing overgrowth and managing drainage, but the wear and tear on the track has made it difficult to use.

The development will include new access ramps, drainage works, and ancillary improvements aimed at making the route accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs all year round.

The path is named after John Robinson McClean, a pivotal figure in the development of the South Staffordshire Railway. It runs through Pelsall Common Conservation Area and Railswood Area of High Historic Landscape Value. It also passes two Grade II-listed structures, the Brownhills railway aqueduct and a canal bridge southeast of Back’s Bridge.

Essential maintenance works will be carried out, including vegetation clearance, pothole repairs, and aesthetic improvements. No alterations will be made to the bridges.

Clare Maltby, Sustrans England Director, said: “We’re thrilled that planning permission has been granted to these transformational improvements on the McClean Way. They will help to provide a safe and accessible route for everyone to enjoy the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling. However, it’s more than just an active travel route.

“The McClean Way also helps to improve local biodiversity and creates a space for people to appreciate nature. It includes spaces for people to sit, making it more inclusive for people who might need a breather. These improvements help to deliver our ‘Paths for Everyone’ programme, bringing us closer to a National Cycle Network that is safer and more accessible for all.