Graffiti-covered subway gets nature-themed makeover

Linzi Sananes says her children love the new designs

Subways that run through a west Lancashire town have been given a colourful overhaul to "make the community feel safer".

Two subways in Skelmersdale, which were previously covered in graffiti and strewn with rubbish, have been spruced up and given a new woodland and animal-themed paint job thanks to the charity, Uthink PDP.

Their Subway Jams project sees the charity joining up with local artists, Lancashire County Council and schools to redecorate the subway routes that link up many areas of the town.

Local artist Simon Daly said the most important thing was to give something back to the community.

A subway that connects the Upholland area of the town to Digmoor and another near The Beacon, from Elmers Green, are the latest to be painted.

The subway before had old, offensive graffiti displayed, the artist says

Mr Daly, 31, founder of Kingsyze Graffiti, said: "We found that people where crossing the roads rather than using the subways because they can be dark and run down.

"After we have painted them and cleaned them up people feel a lot safer using them".

The group also clean and litter-pick around the area.

Woodland creatures now feature on the walls of the subways

The subways previously featured offensive graffiti, broken glass , litter and dirt on the walls, Mr Daly said.

"The reaction has been nothing short of amazing, the local people of Skelmersdale have really accepted our artwork over the years".

Passerby Linzi Sananes said her children, Evelyn, six, and Avery, three, were "made up to see the lovely new artwork on the underpass heading up to the Beacon".

Mr Daly and Gary Pate, founder of Uthink PDP, and local artist Nathan James, have been designing street art and engaging with the town for the past 15 years, with their designs also featuring at Skelmersdale's skateparks.

Lancashire county councillor Peter Buckley, said: "It's great to see this work highlighted as it looks fantastic.

"My thanks go out to all of those involved in this project, particularly the young people who have really demonstrated their creativity."

Mr Daly says the artwork helps to make the communities feel safer