Work to tidy an overgrown section of a walking and cycling route in Lynn has been completed in response to concerns from college students.

West Norfolk Council’s work has improved the Sandringham Railway Path, prior to bird-nesting season, while discussions continue with Norfolk County Council – which is responsible for the route – to secure ongoing maintenance, thinning of the overhanging tree canopy and better lighting.

The spruce-up focused on the pathway along the side of Strikes Bowl and included cutting back and removing lower-level vegetation to improve visibility and light, removing litter and fly-tipped waste from the area, and sweeping the path to ensure a clean and secure footing for users.

Cllr Sandra Squire, the borough council’s cabinet member for environment and coastal, said: “We want to support and encourage people to get around by foot or bicycle where possible and this is a key route, including to Lynnsport, KES Academy, King’s Lynn Academy, College of West Anglia and residential areas.

“I would like to thank our public open spaces team for the immediate improvement they’ve achieved.

“While this path is not a borough council responsibility, we responded swiftly to concerns from our community about safety and anti-social behaviour, and we are actively speaking with the county council about ongoing maintenance and longer-term improvements.”

Kerry Heathcote, deputy CEO and vice principal of quality and curriculum at the College of West Anglia, added: “Many of our students and staff would prefer to walk or cycle this way, but they often felt reluctant to do so, given the lack of natural surveillance and insufficient lighting.

“As they became aware of my role on the Lynn Neighbourhood Board, I received a number of requests to take urgent action.

“I’m therefore grateful to the borough council for their immediate response, which has made a significant difference to this area, and I look forward to a longer-term plan in partnership with the county council.

“Feedback this week from CWA staff and students has been very positive overall, but I have duly acknowledged there is still more to be done.”