Vandal-hit Wolverhampton subway is to be shut say chiefs
A subway which has been repeatedly hit by vandals and left residents too frightened to use it will be closed and replaced with a level crossing, under new £150,000 council proposals.
The underpass currently goes under the busy Willenhall Road in Portobello.
It has been a problem areas for years but the situation escalated over the winter after light fittings were broken, leaving the subway in total darkness at night.
Vandals have continually targeted it, covering the walls in graffiti and removing handrails.
A public meeting was held in the nearby Royal Oak pub on Friday to give residents an opportunity to discuss the issue with Wolverhampton South MP Pat McFadden.
West Police Commissioner Bob Jones and representatives from Wolverhampton City Council were also in attendance.
During the meeting – organised by pensioner Tom Larkin who has lived in the area for 40 years – the council's Bob Willis announced the proposed closure, with a duel street level crossing put overhead in its place.
"The subway is a disgrace and we've looked at doing long-term sustainable repairs, but it's not possible and the subway is a dead duck," Mr Willis, service manager for transportation network management, said.
Mr Willis added that the scheme, which would cost up to £150,000, would be put forward in the council's capital programme in April, with a completion date of May at the earliest.
Residents at the meeting welcomed the scheme but hoped temporary measures could be put in place – such as lighting – to make the subway usable for residents for the next few months.
Mr Willis said he would look into installing lighting.