AN overgrown Lye footpath which has been covered up for six years was cleared by volunteers who spent a mammoth eight hours cutting back greenery at the weekend.

Hardworking volunteers Gary Farmer, Dave Mundon, Matt Cook, Wayne Lewis and Alister Freeston cut back bushes and undergrowth which had grown across the footpath around the Lye Bypass and Dudley Road area, on Sunday October 10.

Gary, who owns Posh Kutz dog grooming salon on Lye High Street, said: "It had been bugging me for years - it was last touched in 2015.

"It was growing from private land but was going across and blocking the public footpath.

"It was a massive job to uncover the pavement that has been overgrown for six years.

"It took eight hours of back-breaking work at our own cost and with equipment donated to our campaign.

"All our equipment including hedge trimmers and chainsaws, is donated."

Stourbridge News:

Gary, who devotes much of his spare time to improving Lye, said he had received hundreds of messages of thanks from people, some who didn't even realise the pavement existed.

The 51-year-old father of two said: "Lye is the forgotten area. Other areas like Stourbridge and Halesowen get more attention - they get street cleaners and road sweepers but we don't so we have to do it ourselves.

"I've had about 300 messages from people saying thank you."

People also expressed their thanks for the job on social media.

Wendy Martin said: "Fabulous work by all the caring people who did this.

"It’s much appreciated, thank you."

Beccy Parker said: "Wow amazing.

"Bet that was back breaking work. You guys are amazing!!!"

The green waste was collected by Dudley Council and tree surgeon John Blackwell who offered his services for free.

Stourbridge News:

The hardworking volunteers including Gary Farmer (left).