Move to get alley up to standard

This artist impression reveals the future face of Wolverhampton's historic Molineux Alley.

The busy walkway has for years been plagued by vandals and drug dealers but ambitious proposals to transform it are now being drawn up.

Ideas include creating interactive sound so people can hear football fans in the nearby Wolves ground, and growing edible plants in a community garden. A cafe or kiosk could also be set up and interactive lights put in the ground.

Over the last few months residents have been given the chance to have their say on the proposals and put forward suggestions on everything from lighting and colour to crime prevention.

Molineux Alley Steering group, which is organising the work, has already secured £30,000 of funding and is to lodge a range of bids for more cash in the next few months.

The alley runs alongside Molineux Stadium and through Whitmore Reans, taking in streets including Great Hampton Street and Waterloo Road.

It has been beset by problems in recent years including rubbish dumping, neglected plots of unmanaged land, empty properties, poor lighting, graffiti on boundary walls and house gable ends and anti-social behaviour. But it is well-used by residents in the city, particularly students and football supporters.

Regeneration project officer Matthew Buckham from Midlands Heart, the organisation which is leading the steering group, said today: "The steering group is currently developing a funding strategy that will enable the designs to be actually delivered.

"We are going to be putting bids forward in the near future to a range of funding bodies."

The plans will be unveiled at Newhampton Arts Centre in Whitmore Reans on April 19 between 11am and 3pm. To find out more contact Mr Buckham on 01902 328 221.