'Dirty' railway bridges set for mural makeover

It's hoped the murals will "transform" the tunnels on Cross Street (L) and Castle Foregate (R).

Murals are to be painted on the side of two railway bridges described as "dirty and uninviting", by officials.

The works are part of a scheme which will include better lighting, under the bridges over Cross Street and Castle Foregate near Shrewsbury station as well as removing pigeons and a deep clean.

The murals will be painted by students who'll be work alongside artist Russ Meehan.

The team has already come up with some initial sketches which include prominent local landmarks, but members of the public are also being asked to suggest "lesser-known" stories from the county which can be included in the designs.

Organisers are also looking for ideas for a "Shropshire soundtrack" which they say could include local music, or soundscapes and will be accessed by scanning a QR code.

The project is a collaboration between Shropshire-based charity Big Art Regeneration & Transformation (The BART), the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership (Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury BID, and Shrewsbury Town Council).

Stephanie Mansell-Jones of Shrewsbury BID, said "The mural will create a positive first impression for visitors arriving by train and give residents a powerful reminder of the rich stories and voices that make Shrewsbury so special. Not to mention tackling the long-standing pigeon problem".

Shropshire Council has already started work on removing the birds, installing spikes, and plans for new metal mesh in the roof.