AN overgrown bridleway will be tidied up, thanks to a group of volunteers.

Castle Point Wildlife Group will clear up part of Downer Road, in Benfleet, on Sunday following complaints about the state of the path.

After getting permission from Essex County Council to carry out the essential work, the volunteers are eager to cut down the nettles to maintain the bridleway for walkers and horse riders.

The group, made up of 50 volunteers, already manage two areas of woodland in Castle Point.

Neal Warren, secretary of Castle Point Wildlife Group, said he wasn’t sure the group would be able to take on another site, but agreed to help out after visiting the area.

He said: “Basically, the road is overgrown and needs cutting back. We got involved after residents called us and thought it would be a great opportunity to try out a new bit of equipment.

“We’ve bought two scrub cutters.

They are petrol driven and this road is ideal for us to try out the machinery.

“It’s going to be a couple of hours’ work and I’m a bit worried we will be inundated with volunteers as everybody wants to lend a hand. But I’m sure I will find something for everyone to do. For us, this is a community project.

“It’s an unadopted road, so I got in touch with Castle Point Council and Essex County Council. County Council have now given me the go-ahead.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Bill Sharp, from Castle Point, and Chris Brown, from county council, for helping us out with it. They welcomed our support.”

Volunteers also manage North Benfleet Hall Wood near Woodside Park, as well as West Wood off Rayleigh Road in Benfleet.

The group will clear the bridleway at Downer Road, between Bowers Road and Clarence Road North, from 10am to noon on Sunday.