Hateley Cross Big Local, a project funded by the National Lottery to bring £1 million into parts of Stone Cross and all Hateley Heath over 10 years, recently completed a consultation across the Hateley Heath ward.

Resident-led voluntary group Hateley Cross Partnership Group has also provided investment and support to the project.

The community identified a lack of facilities across the area for young people. One of the first outcomes of the project is that Big Local is working with Sandwell Council to provide a Trim Trail on Kesteven Green, off Kesteven Road.

A Trim Trail is an obstacle course which children of all ages can enjoy, with different pieces of equipment for them to try to get from start to finish.

A spokesperson for Hateley Cross Partnership Group said:

“It has been very good to work alongside Sandwell Council to bring this wonderful trim trail to our area for all our young people to enjoy.”

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Danny Millard, said:

“Green spaces are so important to people’s health, well-being and quality of life and I hope local residents make use of this new facility. This project and the Hateley Cross Big Local Partnership also show that when residents are committed to making life better for their community, they can achieve great results such as this.”

Sandwell Council is also working with Hateley Cross Big Local to look at improvements to other key green spaces in the area: Denbigh Drive playing fields, Marsh Lane and the Mill Pool. Improvements are also planned for Oakwood Park.

Please contact hateleycross@gmail.com for more information about the Hateley Cross Project.