A £60,000 scheme to improve footpaths, steps and other public rights of way to encourage walking for short journeys in the Dudley borough has got underway.

Seven roads and streets have been identified for works, which started this week in Ambrose Crescent and Gladstone Grove in Kingswinford.

Workers have been taking up slabs and laying new footpaths on a route used by pedestrians to access local bus routes and shopping facilities, as well as industrial units off Stallings Lane.

Plans are also in place to improve footpaths on routes from Springfield Road through to Moor Street and Fens Pool Avenue through to Wallows Road, Brierley Hill.

Footpaths will be relaid from Upton Street through to St Giles Street in Netherton, and Melbourne Road to Furnace Lane, Halesowen.

Steps to a path leading from Worcester Lane to Racecourse Lane and Melrose Avenue in Stourbridge have become badly worn and will also be replaced as part of the scheme.

The scheme is part of the council's drive to help improve the environment and help to tackle climate change. To have a say on future plans take part in the authority's 'Your Borough, Your Future' survey - https://www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/get-involved/your-borough-your-future-survey/

Councillor Shaz Saleem, Dudley Council's cabinet member for highways and public realm, said: "We want to try and do all we can as a council to encourage people to leave their cars at home for short journeys.

"Journeys like taking the kids to school, going to the shops, to a local place of worship or social club, or walking to catch the bus.

"If we can encourage more people to ditch their cars for trips like this the impact, both environmentally and on our physical health, is going to be massive.

"That is why I am delighted we have been able to get this scheme through, and I look forward to seeing the results."