All change for Earls Way island in Halesowen (From Stourbridge News)

All change for Earls Way island in Halesowen

10:10am Tuesday 24th November 2009

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HALESOWEN’S landmark Earls Way island is set to be transformed forever if new plans get the go-ahead.

Dudley Council have secured cash from the Department of Transport which could see the graffiti ridden subways being filled in and pedestrian crossings introduced.

A public consultation is already underway and the plans are on display at Halesowen Library in the Cornbow Shopping Centre until December 1.

Earls High School has already come out in favour of the new island scheme which it claims would give ‘safe passage’ to pupils.

Richard Jacobs, vice principal of Earls High School, said: “We are aware of the problems concerning Earls Way Island including the graffiti which is problem in the subways and is an eyesore.

“What we are most interested in is the safe crossing for our pupils and I know that several of them do not like using the subways in the evening if they are doing after school activities.”

He added: “We think the plans for the new Earls Island are well thought out and are confident that the crossings will give safe passage to our pupils.”

The cost of cleaning off the graffiti which is daubed regularly on the underpasses runs in to thousands of pounds every year and councillors on the Halesowen Area Committee backed the plans to change Earls Way island last week.

As well as filling in the subways there will be new crossings and new road markings to improve the traffic flow on the Stourbridge Road.

Councillor Angus Adams, cabinet member for transportation at Dudley Council, said: “It is very important that people take the time to have a look at the plans and pass on their comments.

“People can either call in at the library or call us directly to comment on these exciting proposals.”

The consultation runs until December 1. For more information call 01384 815497 or 01384 815443 or call in at Halesowen Library.

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