A trouble-torn subway under one of Wolverhampton’s busiest roads has been earmarked for closure after a long battle by residents.

Vandals, yobs and drug addicts blight the 35-year-old passage beneath Willenhall Road at its junction with Vaughan Road in Portobello.

Wolverhampton City Council surveyed 140 households in the immediate area and the vast majority of those who replied called for its closure. Officials have started the legal process required to shut it but funds still need to be earmarked for the project.

The entrances at either end of the subway would initially be gated off but it would ultimately have to be filled in or bricked up.

Dean Hyde, chairman of Portobello tenants and residents’ association, said today that there had been problems with the subway for the past 10 or 15 years.

“There have been drug issues, yobs throwing fireworks, car tyres and wooden pallets being set on fire and constant difficulties with graffiti,” he explained.

“The annual cost of repair and replacing broken lights would soon cover the bill for shutting it.”

East Park Conservative councillor Steve Hall, whose ward covers the subway, described the prospect of closure as “great news”, and added: “This is a good illustration of the local authority listening to the demands of local people.”

Spokesman for Wolverhampton City Council, Tim Clark confirmed the situation: “There have been considerable problems with anti-social behaviour in this subway.

“There is a pelican crossing over Willenhall Road above the subway, so most people use that anyway.

“We are now in the process of finalising the legal process required to close the subway and we will need political approval before it can happen.

“A report will be going to the relevant cabinet member in the near future.

“If approval is granted, it is likely that the subway will be gated off at both ends as an initial measure, but in time it will need filling in and bricking up.

“While there will be an initial cost to do this, over time it will save money by eliminating ongoing maintenance costs,” he concluded.