A SHOPPING centre subway will close despite concerns over pedestrian safety.

As part of a redevelopment of Hartlepool town centre, developers want to close the subway under Stockton Road, demolish units and extend the Middleton Grange shopping centre.

Hartlepool Borough Council's regeneration board met yesterday and approved the proposals which will now require people to cross the road at the junction of Stockton Street and Victoria Road.

The public were asked for views on the proposals and objections were received from residents concerned about the potential dangers of people crossing the busy road.

One resident, Richard Turner, of Highfields, said: "I feel that the removal of the subway will create an unacceptable additional risk of accidents between pedestrians and motor vehicles, due to the expected increase in the numbers of pedestrians who will be forced to use this crossing, as opposed to the numbers who currently opt to use the underground route.

"There are many people, including wheelchair and disabled, who would prefer the present double ramps and underground weatherproof route, as opposed to negotiating the dual carriageway as well as more nimble able-bodied pedestrians plus the usual urban terrorists, such as skateborders and mountain bikers."

Another resident complained that, although the subway was often covered in litter, it was the safest way of crossing the road.

But a council spokesman pointed out that crossing facilities on the road would be improved by the developers as part of the conditions placed on the work. These improvements could include widening the crossing island in the road and reducing the number of lanes on the road.

The council has also stressed that Hartlepool Access Group, which is concerned that all members of the public can use facilities in the town, had not objected to the proposals.

Previously, council officers have referred to the subway as dark, cramped and not in keeping with a modern town and its improvements. They hope the developments will help regenerate Hartlepool centre and attract more shoppers.