VOLUNTEERS pitched in to clear up a Thundersley beauty spot after residents complained it was overgrown and untidy.

Castle Point Wildlife Group has started work on the Glen, off Kiln Road, after Castle Point Borough Council asked it for help.

The group already looks after two woodland areas in the borough.

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

He said: “We were approached by a local councillor and the council about the state of the woodlands.

“We already take care of two areas and, because we are a voluntary group, weren’t so sure at first.

“I took a walk down there and saw it needed tidying up, but at the same time not a huge amount of work was needed.”

Volunteers already maintain North Benfleet Hall Wood, near Woodside Park, and West Wood, off Rayleigh Road, Thundersley.

Mr Warren, 57, of Rayleigh Road, started work at the Glen with the group on Sunday and they have cleared footpaths and removed fallen trees.

He said: “We have completed quite a bit of work, but we still have about three hours worth left.

I am hoping to continue tidying up in a few weeks time and make it into a nice area.”

Mr Warren is hoping to involve local residents in the project by arranging a community day before September.

Bill Dick, Tory councillor for St Peter’s ward, approached the voluntary group as cash for maintenance of woodlands was “tight”.

He said: “Residents were taking to social network sites complaining of the issue.

“Funding on footpaths is tight and we have been in touch with Essex County Council about this, so we thought the best thing at the time would be to contact the wildlife group.

“It is doing a great job and I am glad residents pointed it out.”