ANGRY residents, who say they fear for their safety, are demanding the borough council closes the subway under St Michael's Way.

The dilapidated underpass is the only way to cross the busy junction for elderly residents in and around Seddon Street.

But many people are too afraid to use it, especially at night, as youths gather and often litter the place with broken bottles and cans.

Resident of The Weavers, Josie Crick, said: "The alleyway is disgusting. There is smashed glass all over the place which an elderly person could easily fall on.

"There is always rubbish all over and graffiti on the walls, and teenagers gather there. It's a terrible state all the time and I just won't use it when it's dark."

Now Middlewich Town Mayor Clr Dave Sutton has backed residents' calls and says Congleton Borough Council should close the subway and look at providing a different method crossing over the road.

He said: "I've spoken to several irate residents who say they are simply too afraid to use the subway.

"What we really need is a different crossing - ideally a zebra crossing over the road, so we can get rid of the subway altogether."

A spokesman for Congleton Borough Council said: "The borough council takes the safety and worries of residents very seriously and would like to hear their concerns."