Lichfield District Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the new Greenway, a scenic 6.5-kilometre walking route connecting Lichfield and Chasewater.

The Greenway transforms the disused South Staffordshire Railway Line into a vibrant leisure corridor, offering residents and visitors a safe and picturesque route through the district’s countryside.

Developed by Lichfield District Council in partnership with the volunteer group Back The Track, the project marks the culmination of 18 months of work clearing vegetation, restoring the former railway, and preparing it for public use.

Back The Track previously redeveloped the Brownhills to Pelsall section of the line - known as The McClean Way, after engineer John Robinson McLean, who was instrumental in establishing the South Staffordshire Railway Company.

Today’s launch event at Sandfields Pumping Station brought together representatives from Lichfield District Council, Back The Track, Lichfield City Council, Burntwood Town Council, Hammerwich Parish Council and Lichfield Litter Legends to celebrate the opening.

Displays showcased the railway’s heritage and the transformation journey, followed by speeches from Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change, and Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council.

Both thanked the volunteers and partners whose commitment made the project possible.

The ribbon was officially cut by Councillor Keith Vernon, Chair of Lichfield District Council, joined by Councillor Doug Pullen and Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, while Back The Track volunteers, councillors and guests looked on.