Telford crime hotspot underpasses to be filled in with foam concrete
Three problem underpasses in Telford which have become crime hotspots are to be be filled in.
More than 100 crimes were reported in the underpasses along Brookside Avenue in 2016 alone.
Now a mix of foam concrete will be pumped into them in order to block them off permanently.
The embankments to either side of the subways will also be filled and top soiled ready for grass seeding to tie in with the surroundings.
The underpasses were built in the 1970s and were used extensively until they became a scene of anti-social behaviour.
Once filled, new paths will be created to enable people to cross the road above ground.
Plans to do away with the underpasses were today welcomed by residents and police because of safety concerns and issues around increasing levels of crime.
Google StreetView of Brookside Avenue:
Councillor Arnold England, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Working with our partners and local communities to create safer, cleaner and more attractive communities is what pride is all about.
"Filling in these underpasses will make a real difference and will help deal with concerns raised about safety and general cleanliness.”
About £45 million is being invested by the council over the next three years to make improvements in neighbourhoods across the borough, including improvements to roads, footpaths, street lights and green spaces.
Work on the underpasses starts on Monday and will take contractor Fitzgerald’s around 18 weeks to complete.
Some 1,000 cubic metres of foam concrete and 1,200 cubic metres of filler material will be used to complete the job, burying the subways for ever.
