A VOLUNTEER helping to renovate Drakelow Tunnels said a museum will benefit the community for “generations to come”.

Michael Scott, of Birmingham, said he supports the application for a museum, gift shop and coffee shop as it will help with tourism and preservation of the site.

The proposals, brought to Wyre Forest District Council by owners Quercus Ilex SA, will be paid for by three blocks of semi-detached houses which will be built near to the site.

Mr Scott is a member of an unnamed group helping to restore the former Second World War aero engine in Wolverley. They came up with the idea of the museum and visitor centre and liased with the Swiss owners on the proposals.

Mr Scott said: “We’ve been left in limbo not knowing what the company who own it were going to do with it. They came round to the museum idea and visitor centre. It’s the best idea out there.

“There’s going to be more traffic but that traffic is tourism with money. It brings in money for shops, pubs and businesses. It’s also creating two permanent jobs.”

Mr Scott first visited the tunnels as a photographer in 2010. He and a friend then became interested in the tunnels’ history and by liaising through the site’s caretaker started using their skills to help renovate the site.

Set-backs have included cables being cut in 2010 costing £60,000 in repairs and radiator parts stolen last year.

Mr Scott added: “It has put us back several steps. It’s a constant fight against that. Each time we have to ask the owners for the money for repairs.”

Without electricity the site also gets damaged as its temperature needs to be controlled.

Mr Scott added: “We run open days every three months and people come from all over the place.

“The Government bricked off the area for the proposed cold war bunker and that’s the bit we’re planning on using as the museum.

“We think it’s a good thing. It’ll help people for generations to come.”

Mr Scott addressed concerns that the proposals could affect wildlife. An
ecological report, included in the planning application, stated the wooded area where the houses will be built consisted of young trees and work will not seriously damage birds or animals.

The group hold working parties every two weeks and needs electricians, plumbers, mechanics to help.

For more information visit drakelow-tunnels.co.uk or email info@drakelow-tunnels.co.uk

To view our gallery of the renovation work click here