COUNCILLORS have expressed their frustration over plans to improve a well-used alleyway between two Bromsgrove high schools, which they say have been 'scuppered' by the cost of legal fees.

Pig Alley, which runs between Bromsgrove School and Bromsgrove South, was earmarked to receive new lighting thanks to recent government funding given to Worcestershire County Council.

The path, a popular cut-through for residents in Rock Hill and Charford, was also set to be widened to allow for use by pedestrians and cyclists.

But Labour councillors Michael Thompson and Chris Bloore say the plans have now been placed on hold due to £25,000 in legal costs associated with changing the boundaries on the land, which is currently leased from academy chain BAM to Bromsgrove South High School.

Cllr Thompson said: "Residents of Rock Hill ward are outraged by this. We were so excited about the money and potential improvements to the pathway.

"Lighting was well overdue and would have made the pathway safer."

Cllr Bloore added: "The people of Charford would have very much benefited from this path. This area is in need of investment."

A joint statement from Worcestershire County Council and BAM reads: "Worcestershire County Council and BAM are in early discussions about the proposals for Pig Alley.

"The proposals include installing new lighting and widening this well-used path for both cyclists and pedestrians which both schools are keen to see happen.

"As with any project relating to changes to boundaries over third party land, there will be certain costs involved, including legal costs.

"These are not being imposed by BAM but by the process itself, and the county council and BAM are now entering into discussions over the project."