FOLLOWING work which saw its historic gates restored and a new café unveiled, the final stage of renovations to Mary Stevens Park will soon be underway.

The third and final phase of the £3.1 million restoration – which is due to be completed next spring – includes silt being removed from Heath Pool and surfaces, walls and railings around the Norton park refurbished.

As well as the general park improvements, a new multi-use games area is set to be installed on part of the existing tennis court.

However, Dudley Council has warned visitors that the ongoing work will continue to cause disruption until it's completed.

Over the next few months, parts of the wall along the Stanley Road entrance will be removed to enable large machinery to be brought onsite to dredge the pool.

Periodic closures will also occur at the Heath Lane, Stanley Road and the pedestrian entrances to allow the improvement of the surfacing, perimeter walls and railings.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “We apologise in advance for the disruptions that unfortunately come with these improvements.

“These will be kept to a minimum and without jeopardising the health and safety of all visitors, staff and passing traffic.

“I must also express our thanks for the way the public has co-operated with us. It has been wonderful to see how the improvements in the park, like the café, are being enjoyed.

“We hope the public will bear with us a little longer as we complete this final phase.”

A council spokesman said measures are in place to take care of the wildlife that live in and visit the pool, following the advice of a certified ecologist.

As the work continues, the public are being invited to an open day outside the park’s activity centre tomorrow (Wednesday, September 9), between 10am and 3pm, to meet representatives and those from the contractors – Casey Group.

Enquiries about the work can also be made on the Customer Care Line on 0800 032 8707 and an emergency out of hours number, 07764 600 925.