A well used subway in Newcastle-under-Lyme is not set to reopen until November and will have been closed for almost a year.

The subway is located on Liverpool Street which connects to Ryecroft and means people don't have to cross the busy dual carriageway.

The issue was highlighted by Councillor John Williams who represents Cross Heath on the council. He said that many residents were frustrated over the long detour that they have to take due to the closure.

The underground passage is closed due to work taking place on the new castle car park which will provide 450 parking spaces and will include EV charging points. In total it is expected to cost £11m which was secured from the Future High Street Fund.

However due to the work and the close proximity to heavy machinery hoarding has been placed around the site and the subway which connects both sides of Liverpool Street under Ryecroft has been closed.

Residents are forced to take a long diversion to access the town centre (Nub News).

This means that residents are forced to take a long diversion to access the town centre or in many cases cross the busy road. To try and prevent this a temporary fence has been placed in a gap in the central reservation however this has been knocked over leaving shoppers freely able to cross the four lanes of traffic.

In asking his question on when the subway will reopen, Councillor Williams (Lab) said: "Our residents, many of them elderly, have expressed some frustration because when they walk to the Town Centre to shop and support local businesses or meet up with friends they are forced to make a long detour or cross over a dangerous dual-carriageway. 

"In addition the fencing around the site has created a blind bend for drivers when joining Ryecroft from Liverpool Road. Making the junction very dangerous."

Stephen Sweeney, cabinet member for Finance, Town Centres and Growth replied: "The subway will reopen in November 2024. Development is taking place very close to the perimeter of the site so blocking off pedestrian access in that area is a safety measure.

"The hoarding works and positioning are in line with the consented scheme at Staffordshire County Council commented on as highways authority."

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