Bid tabled to close problem Wolverhampton subway

Wolverhampton Council has made an application to the Black Country Magistrates' Court to close the Craddock Street subway under the S116 Highways Act 1980.

Plans to close the underpass in Whitmore Reans follows requests from West Midlands Police amid safety concerns for residents.

The court hearing to officially close the subway will take place on July 18.

It came after council bosses conducted a public survey to find out how often the subway was used.

The survey revealed more people chose to use the nearby traffic signal crossing instead.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment at Wolverhampton Council, said: “As a council, we have a duty to ensure our residents and visitors feel safe when they visit our city.

“We have listened to the people of Wolverhampton and worked closely with West Midlands Police to address their concerns and take the next steps to close the subway.

“I would like to thank the local ward councillors for their hard work and commitment in delivering a successful campaign to get the voices of residents and business owners heard.

“I hope the court grants us permission to permanently close the subway, to enable works to begin to improve the area for everyone.”

Improvement work to enable people to cross the main road safely instead of using the subway started yesterday.

A new pedestrian area will be constructed above the subway, with traffic signal upgrades and existing road markings to be refreshed.

The work means temporary traffic lights and traffic management will be in force between 9.30am to 3.30pm until July 31.

The crossing point above the subway will be closed and diversions will also be put in place.

If approved by court, the second phase of the works will follow to permanently close the subway in late August.

To see the plans, visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/parking-and-roads/closure-craddock-street-subway-wolverhampton