Lichfield council launches plan to revamp former railway line for cyclists and walkers
The aim is to link the Lichfield section of the former South Staffordshire Railway Line to The McClean Way
Last updated 9th Jun 2024
Lichfield District Council have announced plans to revamp a part of the former South Staffordshire Railway Line as a haven for cyclists and walkers.
The local authority says progress is being made on their project to transform the line which has not been open for decades, and will mean that we could soon see the space between Lichfield and Brownhills turned into a 'greenway' for people to use once again.
The former line opened in 1849, and was used for passenger travel and coal and oil transportation.
The local authority say the aim is to link the Lichfield section to The McClean Way, which is already an established walking and cycling route.
The current stretch of The McClean Way runs from Walsall to Brownhills - and now Chasewater Country Park and Lichfield District Council are in the final stages of negotiations with Network Rail to secure the lease to the land to be able to transform it.
The Council is also working with Sustrans and community groups on the project.
The line branches off from the Cross City Line just south of Lichfield City Station, crosses over Birmingham Road and Chesterfield Road, runs alongside Sainte Foy Avenue, over Falkland Road and Fosseway Lane, up to and beyond the A461 Walsall Road at Pipehill, over the M6Toll and on to Brownhills.
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of the Council, said: “Creating a walking and cycling route on this former railway line will deliver fitness and mental health benefits to our residents and aid our visitor economy.
“A beautiful greenway already runs from Walsall to Brownhills. I am looking forward to seeing it extended as far as Lichfield.”