Subways - how they have been turned into attractions

Underpasses have been transformed with innovative new uses across the region.

In Wolverhampton, the Penn Road island underpass was turned into a skate park, which is used by hundreds of children throughout the year.

Next to it the £6 million The Way Youth Zone has been built.

Jamie Powis, from the youth centre, said: “The Way Wolverhampton Youth Zone gives young people an alternative to hanging around the streets and in subways. The Way is a safe, warm and inspirational environment where young people from all backgrounds and all abilities can take part in over 20 positive activities each night. The Way raise young people’s aspirations, builds their confidence and helps them make the right life choices. Over 1,400 young people visit The Way each week from all over Wolverhampton."

A study carried out by Youth Zones across the country found that 72 per cent of young people said they are staying out of trouble as a result of attending of the the youth zone.

In Cannock there are two subways to get access to the town centre – one off the Beecroft Road car park and the other under Mill Street to Morrisons.

Cannock council has re-tiled the subways and the one at Mill Street has been transformed to resemble an art gallery with better lighting.

Council leader George Adamson said: "It has been a real success and people feel a lot more comfortable using them.

"Beforehand they were a bit grim and prone to anti-social behaviour and they weren't very attractive at all.

"But this investment has worked and a lot of people comment how much better it is to use them."