Woods to finally re-open after closure closed due to ‘dogging’
A BEAUTY spot forced to close after claims of ‘dogging’ and drug dealing at the site is set to re-open.
Conservation charity the Woodland Trust announced it was shutting Uffmoor Woods, near Halesowen, in May after claims it was plagued by drug dealers and seedy punters looking for X-rated meet-ups in the fresh air.
The news caused upset among members of the public who enjoyed the beautiful park.
But now the trust is aiming to open it again, possibly by October or November. Trust spokeswoman Hollie Anderson said it had been carrying out maintenance works and tackling flytipping.
“We can now look at making the wood safe for people. One of the main ways is increasing visibility so people can be seen in the woods and encouraging more open spaces.
“We’ve been working hard to return the wood back to its natural state. This has meant clearing the wood and caring for it as a habitat – the antisocial behaviour has often detracted from this in the past.
“Now that we’ve cleared fly tipping and dens, and carried out essential maintenance work, we are looking very carefully at how we make sure the wood is safe for local people.
“This means we are addressing issues with entry points, and increasing visibility.
“We’re also working with volunteers to check the woods regularly, and looking at how we make sure the car park continues to be locked every night to deter anti-social behaviour.
“Signage will also be clearer, so people know how to report issues, and know our policies regarding the wood.”
There will also be a volunteers on the site so that users can report issues more efficiently.
A spokesman previously said: “We are aware of ongoing issues with dog attacks, dogfouling, drug-dealing and other sexual activity in the car park and woodland.”
Other complaints included drug abuse, dogs being attacked by other dogs who are off the lead and sheep killed on neighbouring land.