Work starts to close off vandal-hit Walsall subway

The underpass beneath the busy Willenhall Road in Portobello will be replaced by a level crossing as part of the scheme.

Vandals have continually targeted the site, covering the walls in graffiti and removing handrails.

It has been a problem for years but the issue was made worst last winter when the light fittings were broken, leaving the subway in total darkness at night.

Now workers have arrived at the site and erected barriers after residents called for the problem to be addressed.

Pensioner Tom Larkin, who has lived in the area for 40 years, said: "It has been an eyesore for the people of Portabello for far too long and people will be really pleased to see the back of it.

"It is really in an appalling state, with all the graffiti.

"This is the people getting together and deciding, 'We are going to get something done.' It is amazing what people can achieve when they get together."

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden has also backed the campaign and attended meetings to discuss the issue.

Among those who have been the most concerned are residents living in nearby St Alban's Court, a residential home for the elderly on New Street.

Mr Larkin added: "I have spoken to a lot of pensioners, but it is not just pensioners; you get women going to work in the morning and they feel unsafe, too.

"The lighting is on now so it is not as bad as when they had been smashed but it is still in an appalling state," he added.

Mr Larkin said: "We had a public meeting about it in February and it was very well attended because there was a lot of strong feeling about it.

"It is such an eyesore and such a danger.

"At the time all the lights were out and they were expecting people to use it in the condition it was in."

A meeting has been arranged for residents to discuss the plans for the site. They will gather at the site at 12pm tomorrow.