Residents rejoice after university access gate is closed off
An new entrance has been created into a university campus ending a long-running traffic headache for residents who live on the former access road.
For years students have driven to the University of Wolverhampton campus in Walsall coming off the ring road - Broadway - into Magdalene Road.
It had been a nightmare for dozens of residents on the estate who had to put up with high levels of traffic, particularly at peak times.
But that was until last week when a new dedicated access on to Broadway opened up.
Former Walsall Council member Mohammed Arif welcomed the development saying he had campaigned for it on residents' behalf for more than a decade.
He said it had been prompted several years ago by a decision by the council's planning committee who ruled that the university could not continue to use an overspill car park at the site unless they established a new access.
Mr Arif added: "It is so pleasing to see a proper new access road into the University Campus and I take a great delight in seeing the much hated Magdalene Road gate entrance being closed to traffic and pedestrians as it had caused misery for the residents and headache for me as councillor.
"I want to thank the Walsall Council’s Planning Committee and in particular Councillor Mike Bird (who was vice-chair at approval) for refusing to extend the temporary permission for the over-flow car park and asked this new access road.
"I welcome and celebrate the University of Wolverhampton campus in Walsall and this new entrance will showcase the campus even more."
Pash Chort, who lives on Magdalene Road, said: "Thanks to the efforts to former Councillor Mohammed Arif, our nightmare is finally over.
"The University should have built this direct entrance long, long time ago. I never thought it would happen but the whole of Broadway Park are delighted."
Paul Davis, assistant director estates and facilities at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The new road from the Broadway has been designed to enhance access to the University’s Walsall Campus both for students and the community whilst at the same time relieving traffic congestion in the area.
"We have many local school, club and social groups using our sports and performing arts facilities so this new access road and additional permanent car parking facilities will not only be of benefit to the wider community, it will be instrumental in attracting students to study with us in the future.
"As the University of Opportunity we want to make sure that we are at the heart of our communities and are a key driver in economic growth which is why we have created this new access route to this increasingly popular campus, further raising its profile in the town and making Walsall an attractive option for people who want to study higher education courses in the West Midlands."
