Council slammed over Rubery subways

Buy photos » Councillors Peter McDonald and Colin Wilson in the subway which passes under the A38. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2412013MMR

SUBWAYS in Rubery have been likened to a ‘slum’ by a district councillor.

Coun Peter McDonald has hit out at Worcestershire County Council for neglecting the two underpasses that serve as the main pedestrian link to Rubery High Street on New Road, from Callowbrook Lane and Gannow Road.

He said: “The subways have been left to deteriorate to such a state that walls and ceilings are in a terrible condition and resemble slum conditions.

“Local people are being treated with contempt. There is no excuse for residents being subjected to such conditions, because of the shear neglect of the county council failing in their obligations to maintain the subways to a reasonable standard.

“I cannot remember the last time these subways were cleaned.”

But Coun John Smith OBE, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, refuted the claims.

“An inspection team from Worcestershire County Council has visited the site this week, and is working with partners at Redditch Borough Council to ensure cleaning works at both subways will take place as soon as possible.

“Any further, more extensive cleaning or repair work will be carried out by the county council as part of its programme of work.”

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