A West Swindon underpass has been thoroughly brightened up with the help of a group of young artists.
They spent two days creating works of art on the subway by The Chesters under Mead Way as part of their work experience, and the project itself was part of a major initiative rolled out by the parish council.
Each of the five students from from St John’s School in Marlborough designed a separate painting for the mural on the 26-metre wall.
It is part of a West Swindon Parish Council project to paint each of its 18 underpasses – improving any poorly lit, graffiti covered ones and making the environment more pleasant for everyone using these tunnels.
Chair of the Parish Council, Cllr Rose Llewellyn, said: “A colourful and bright subway makes it more inviting for people to use; they feel safer and less intimidated. Also, it helps to improve the overall look of our area.
“As part of our work to make West Swindon an even better place to work and live, the parish council wants to paint a mural on every one of our underpasses. So far, we have painted three, and this one, with the help of these talented students, is the fourth. Our aim is then to get the remaining 14 completed as soon as possible.”
Art teacher Mike Harrison, from St John’s, said: "We got in touch with the parish council - the parish clerk mis my wife so that wasn't too difficult!
"She has spoken about doing the art projects in and around Swindon, the subway painting, and we were looking for some creative opportunities for students to do some work experience.
“The students were really excited to be part this project. It is part of their A-level course and was a fantastic opportunity for them to work in an outdoor environment which has several challenges different to working indoors and in school.
"It is also a good learning opportunity, plus the students get to display their art for a massive audience – for anyone passing to see.”
Cllr Trish Philpott said: "We're absolutely delighted that this is going on. This is the fourth one. Students from St John's are doing the paintings. They've been very, very well received.
"Everybody is really delighted to se such colour being brought to what was otherwise a very dull and unexciting underpass. It lightens everybody's mood and makes people feel better!"
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