SECURITY guards are to patrol a Huddersfield subway to protect frightened workers.
Security men from Huddersfield Technical College will watch over cleaning staff heading through the Trinity Street underpass for their early morning shifts starting in the new year.
Female cleaners who begin work at 6am are becoming increasingly uneasy in the 30-yard subway beneath the ring road.
Half the lights are out of order, leaving sections in darkness.
A college guard will now be stationed at the mouth of the underpass to ensure workers' safety between 6am and 6.30am.
Acting College Principal Geoff Higgs commented: "Although no incidents have taken place we take safety and security very seriously and hope that this action will ensure the continued safe passage of our staff.
"The underpass is used daily by thousands of college students and staff and we would welcome any council initiatives that would improve the security and cleanliness of the underpass."
Paddock councillor Linda Wilde said the passage, daubed in graffiti, was feared by many people.
"Half the lights have been off and one part of it is pitch black.
"We are really worried about pedestrian access across the ring road to the town centre.
"And if the underpass is to stay we need some cameras."
Clr Wilde and councillor Jim O'Reilly have discussed ways of making the ring road safer with officers from Kirklees Council's Highways department.
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