Eyesore subway to close

An eyesore subway in Stafford will be consigned to history after complaints from residents over litter, drug users and graffiti.

Staffordshire County Council is planning to close the Holmcroft Subway, underneath the A34 Stone Road, after concerns it was attracting anti-social behaviour.

The council's highways team claim the subway has become an eyesore and magnet for trouble.

Residents have long complained about the subway on the junction of Stone Road and Holmcroft Road which has been largely redundant after pedestrian crossings were installed on each road ten years ago.

As a result it has collected litter and become a target for drug users and thugs who have vandalised the underpass.

In the past drugs paraphernalia has been found there. The £40,000 project to fill in the subway and remove surrounding walls will begin on April 12 and is due to last around six weeks.

Local county councillor Ray Barron said the removal of the subway would be welcomed by the community.

He said: "I have been receiving complaints about this subway since I became county councillor for this area and know it has been a problem for a lot longer.

"Residents of Stone Road and Holmcroft are fed up with it as it's become an eyesore and a problem in terms of antisocial behaviour.

Relic

"The subway is a relic from the past and thankfully is now being consigned to history by the county council.

"We look forward to seeing the project completed in a few weeks time."

Holmcroft councillor Michael Cross said: "I have been a councillor for seven years and I have been campaigning for this subway to be closed for that long. I am absolutely delighted this is happening.

"It has been used by drug users, there has been drug paraphernalia found in there over many years.

"Residents have not been happy with it for a long time.

"There are light crossings nearby so it has become redundant really."