'Terror tunnels' set to be filled in; LADYWOOD: Pelican crossings to replace dimly-lit subways.

Byline: By Lee Kenny

PLANS to fill in Ladywood's "terror tunnels" look set to finally go-ahead as part of the city council's subway replacement scheme.

Proposals to close the passageways underneath Ladywood Middleway first surfaced in 2000 as part of a city-wide programme make the streets safer.

The dimly-lit tunnels will be now replaced with two pelican crossings on the ring road.

The subways earned the nickname "terror tunnels" after residents became too afraid to use them.

Police and councillors agreed that they have became a haven for muggers and undesirables and pressed for them to be closed.

The project is expected to take up to five months and drivers have been warned to expect delays while the work is being carried out.

Both carriageways of Ladywood Middleway, between Cope Street and King Edwards Road, will be reduced to a single lane during off-peak periods.

And Coun Len Gregory, cabinet member for transportation, said the scheme has come in response to public pressure to close the city's subways.

"We are also happy to respond to public concerns where we can," he said.

"The pelican crossing will replace two unpopular subways under the road that are being infilled as part of the city council's subway removal programme.

"The Ladywood scheme, on completion, will bring the total number of subways replaced to 88 out of the original 165 across the city."

The comprehensive programme to fill the city's tunnels was launched six years ago after concerns that they had become no-go areas for pedestrians.

The scheme has been funded through the council's single regeneration budget which was ring fenced to close the city "high priority" subways.

CAPTION(S):

PUBLIC PRESSURE... Coun Len Gregory.