A NEW group which is trying to restore an ancient monument in Redditch is appealing for urgent help.

The Moons Moat Conservation Group was originally formed in 2004 to promote the interests of Moons Moat, an ancient monument in Church Hill South.

After several years of successfully doing so, the decline in support for the moat from Redditch Borough Council during the economic crisis of 2010 saw a similar decline in the support for the conservation group.

For the last few years a few core members have been working to restore both the conservation group and the moat itself.

Following the launch of a 10 year plan for the site last year, considerable work has been undertaken at the site and the Moons Moat Conservation Group (MMCG) has been formally re-launched.

It now wants support from the council and people to step forward and join the group.

Newly elected chairman Derek Coombes said “The site is owned by Redditch Borough Council and we maintain that it therefore has obligations because of the listed status of the site, to ensure that it is maintained to a standard equal to others of a similar status in the borough such as Arrow Valley Park and the Bordesley Abbey/Forge Mill complex."

He added: “MMCG is very appreciative of the support it gets from all three elected Church Hill councillors and we are pleased that Councillor Mike Rouse has accepted the honorary position as president of the group.”

The group has identified a Worcestershire County Council led, EU-funded programme called Natural Networks as its first target for funding and will be applying soon.

That funding will have to be match funded from other sources and the group is looking for support from Redditch Council and local industry sponsors to provide that.