BIG-hearted locals at Coughton have stepped in to prevent a village beauty spot from being turned into a desolate wasteland.
Coughton Ford, tucked away off the A435 close to Coughton Court was once plagued by anti social behaviour.
But then local residents decided to take action.
A Village Action Plan identified the ford area as a high priority for an urgent makeover.
The National Trust fenced off much of the area vulnerable to joy riders and a volunteer group was established to tidy the undergrowth and pathways.
With the help of a divisional grant from local Councillor Clive Rickhards, the chairman of Warwickshire county council, the final transformation was completed.
Dead trees were removed, natural seating installed and the pathways made safe and accessible.
Large areas of heavy undergrowth and persistent weeds have been cut back to create an area that is welcoming to visitors and local residents alike.
The local school has adopted the area as part of its ecology awareness programme, and will encourage pupils to respect the local environment and recognise the part all must play in its management.
Parish Councillor Len Carter, who co-ordinates the local volunteer group said: “It has become a very welcoming part of the village.”
