Shock at plan for bunker

Villagers from Wolverley and Kinver are set for another battle against plans to convert a Second World War bunker into a training centre for the unemployed, including former offenders.

Protestors have been left stunned by news that developers are planing to submit a new bid for the centre at the start of the new year.

Original proposals by social enterprise group Jericho Community Business to create the centre at Drakelow Tunnels in Wolverley, near Kidderminster, prompted outrage among residents.

They led to a staggering 1,152 letters of objection being submitted to Wyre Forest District Council.

Since then Jericho has withdrawn the original application but submitted another involving two of the tunnels.

But the project was put on hold for officials to carry out environmental, ecological and archaeological surveys and many villages hoped the scheme had been dropped.

Richard Beard, general manager for Jericho Community Business, said a comprehensive package of proposals would be resubmitted in the New Year.

Drakelow Preservation Trust spokesman Andy Cox said: "I am surprised at their persistence in wanting to develop this training centre on such a beautiful site."