'Secret garden' solution for pollution

Councillor Graham Wilkes at the "secret garden"

Walsall's bus station provoked mixed reactions for its modern architecture when it opened last year.

But one part of the building remained unseen until Tuesday - a secret garden above the heads of the passengers.

Thousands of tiny rock plants have been planted on the roof in an attempt to reduce pollution from the buses and protect the roof at the same time.

It is believed to be the first scheme of its kind.

'Environmentally friendly'

Councillor Graham Wilkes, of Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, said: "This garden was put down to protect the membrane underneath and stops wet penetrating the concrete.

"It also takes in ultra-violet light and infra-red light and is very environmentally friendly.

"It will take away some of the pollution from the buses underneath which can only be a good thing for the people down there."

However it will take up to three years for the garden to come through fully.

Mr Wilkes added: "In another 12 months the garden will be really green.

"This has never been tried anywhere else as far as I know and if successful, I can see it going to other places."