DINGY UNDERPASS SET TO BE FILLED IN
DINGY WALKWAY UNDER BUSY ROAD TO BE FILLED IN AND REPLACED WITH A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
A LITTER-strewn, muddy and dingy pedestrian underpass is set to be filled in to prevent anti-social behaviour.
The route that takes Lismore Walk under Strasbourg Drive in Beaumont Leys is used by pupils going to and from the nearby Babington Academy.
But officials say they want to take it out of commission and create an alternative that feels safer.
The concrete passage is covered in graffiti and unpopular with most people who live nearby, according to Leicester City Council.
The city council intends to put a new pedestrian crossing over Strasbourg Drive instead.
A spokesman said: “We’re proposing to remove the existing underpass to create a safer and more attractive route for cyclists and pedestrians on Lismore Walk and Strasbourg Drive.
“The existing underpass suffers from poor drainage, visibility and accessibility.
He added: “The proposals are part of a wider programme of works being developed as part of the Connecting Leicester Neighbourhoods Project which aims to upgrade existing walking and cycling routes that connect to key workplaces, schools and amenities in Beaumont Leys.
“The underpass itself will be filled in with polystyrene blocks and cement.
“Hard landscaping will create new routes to the north and south of Strasbourg Drive.
“A new parallel crossing for pedestrians and cyclists will be installed on Strasbourg Drive.”
Lydia Smith lives in nearby Aysgarth Road and said she would not miss the underpass when it is gone.
She said: “It’s handy but horrid. Most sensible people steer well clear of it. I’d only use it in an emergency and not if I was alone.”
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