MATCHDAY congestion could be eased if a plan to create a subway at the Britannia Stadium goes ahead.

Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration Ltd has asked for permission to build an underpass at Stanley Matthews Way to ease post-match traffic problems.

It is hoped the work will be carried out next summer during the close season.

Full planning permission would also enable the south car park to be resurfaced and lit, and the creation of additional spaces to the rear of the Boothen End.

A linked application for outline permission has been submitted for a new car showroom to be built on an area of car park adjacent to the existing Audi garage.

The northern end of Stanley Matthews Way is currently closed to cars for 30-40 minutes after matches to allow pedestrians to get away from the area safely.

But the underpass would mean drivers were able quickly to leave the stadium's car parks and get on to the A50 and away without posing any threat to supporters on foot.

A club spokesman said the subway, which would come out close to the Harvester, would improve the transport network for both drivers and pedestrians. He added: "The underpass will be a massive help with getting out after a match has finished and also, from a safety point of view, people will not have to be coming into contact with the busy slip road. We can't wait for it to be done."

The subway will be gated to prevent anti-social behaviour, with the club controlling its use.

Bryan Shaw, chairman of Stoke City's official supporters club, said the subway has been in the pipeline for the last 12 months. He added: "Anything that makes it safer to get away from the ground for the pedestrians has got to be a good move and it is going to be money well spent."

Councillor Adrian Knapper, Stoke-on-Trent City Council portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, said it would be inappropriate to comment on an application which had only just been submitted.

But he added: "It is expected a decision will be made by the end of the year."

Creation of an underpass has been deemed essential by the Highways Agency and the application has been accompanied by plans to develop the south car park and increase the number of spaces behind the Boothen End from 650 to 1,241.

That would compensate for around 600 spaces lost to the reconfiguration of the south car park.

Applicant Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration Ltd is a joint venture between the city council and developer St Modwen.

St Modwen regional director Mike Herbert said developing the south car park and subway was the main thrust of the scheme, but it had thrown up further potential for development. He added: "We are providing much better surface car parking all through and the spin-off is that we get this extra bit of land for development so it is a very sustainable proposal."