Scrapping subways is vital, claim residents

Calls for subways around Kidderminster's Ring Road to be scrapped will be discussed by councillors in the New Year amid claims that they are dark, dirty and divisive.

The possibility of filling in of some, or all, of the subways around the town will come under the spotlight as part of plans being considered by Wyre Forest District Council.

Residents have already been asked for their views on how they would like to see Kidderminster improved.

Many claimed that subways divide the town from housing estates, and some are afraid to use them because they are dark, strewn with graffiti and prone to flooding.

Comments about pedestrian subways, such as Comberton Hill traffic island, which is a main gateway into the town, will form part of discussions during the next two months.

Officials say that so far people have clamoured for a reduction of the impact of the dual carriageway which many feel acts as a collar around the town.

Some have claimed that Kidderminster will never be a showcase town until the underpasses are scrapped, and the ring road cuts people off from the centre, they say.