THE Drakelow Tunnels, which are currently at the centre of a controversial planning application, would have been used as a Government command post in the event of a Cold War nuclear attack.

Years of mystery and endless tales have led many to ponder what was behind the imposing entrances to the underground village, which covers 285,000 sq ft.

Doors remained firmly shut to the public until 1993, when the Home Office placed the complex and land, in Wolverley, up for sale.

Official papers, made available in 1998, confirmed the site had been earmarked as a potential Regional Seat of Government if the country was targeted by nuclear weapons in the wake of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

Construction started on the vast network of tunnels, which are about four miles long, in 1941 to aid the Second World War effort. It was eventually fully completed two years later at a cost of £1million.

Rover managed the production of spare parts and components for aircraft and an estimated workforce of between 500 and 700 either lived underground, in nearby hostels or were ferried in daily by bus.

Facilities for staff included canteens, a concert hall, games room, several bars, a doctor's surgery and consulting rooms.

After the conflict ended, the Ministry of Supply used the facility as a storage depot. It is believed items such as unwanted spare parts and tools were stored there until 1958.

It was at this time it was designated as a bunker site that would support the 12 Regional Government Headquarters.

In the event of a nuclear attack, a team of 140 key personal, including representatives from Government departments, the fire service, the police and the postal service, would have gone underground to help run the country's affairs.

A junior minister would have acted as a regional commissioner and been in charge of the operation. In the 1980s, it was titled a Regional Government Headquarters but would have carried out virtually the same operations if needed.

As the Iron Curtain fell and tensions eased between the East and West, it was decided such a facility was no longer needed and it passed into private ownership.

The Friends of Drakelow Tunnels preservation group runs guided tours around parts of the underground complex.

For more information on how to book a place, visit its website at www.

stokes277.freeserve.co.uk