A CONSULTATION on whether to close an underpass which has become a trouble hotspot in Yate found that most residents would back the decision to block off the route.

South Gloucestershire Council started an online consultation after calls from residents and councillors to review the underpass near Lidl and Yate Shopping Centre.

Councillor John Gawn was one of the lead campaigners looking to close the subway, saying: “I have had a number of messages from residents in the area regarding the anti-social behaviour in the spot and I am trying to get something done.

“The problem we have is that groups are going down there because it is quiet and they are drinking and doing all sorts of things.

“It is really dangerous down there, there is so much glass.”

Avon and Somerset Police also backed calls to close the subway, citing an increase in incidents within a 200 metre radius of the area.

The force’s designing out crime officer, Kevin Wilkinson, suggested that other alternatives are explored too, as closing the underpass may not stop people using the area to linger, drop litter and commit crimes.

A total of 44 people filled out the survey online. Only one person said that the closure of the underpass would cause them problems, with more than 80 per cent saying they agreed with the plans to block off the route.

The council is now reviewing the information gathered in the consultation before making a decision.