THE battle to save Wolverley's Drakelow Tunnels site from a controversial training centre development has been taken to Westminster.

Wyre Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor, has secured a House of Commons adjournment debate to "raise the profile" of the historic complex ahead of a planned Government document dealing with preservation problems.

The discussion was due to be held last Wednesday night but was postponed. It is now scheduled to take place in Parliament today.

Birmingham-based social enterprise group, Jericho, submitted plans to Wyre Forest District Council earlier this year to transform the site into a centre for the unemployed, which could have included former drug addicts, ex-offenders and the disabled.

The proposals were withdrawn in May but village campaigners have warned they expect similar plans to be handed in at a later date.

Dr Taylor said: "The whole thing is a site of antiquities. The tunnels are fantastic because of their fascinating history. Even though the planning application has been withdrawn the department of media, culture and sport are producing a paper in the autumn that we hope will specifically address the preservation problems of sites like this. That's the reason for the debate."

Andy Cox, spokesman for Drakelow Preservation Trust, said: "Dr Taylor has been onside ever since his meeting and tour of the site. He has listened to our views on the uniqueness of the site and our argument for preservation of this archaeologically rich piece of historic land.

"We believe it would be a wonderful opportunity in the future if we could secure grant aid to open this site for future generations to enjoy".