Swindon mural celebrating 'fascinating' canal history unveiled

Marina Strinkovsky said making the area more inviting was "very important"

A mural celebrating a town's "fascinating" canal history has been unveiled.

The artwork was created on Sheppard Street underpass, close to Swindon Railway Station, and is part of ongoing work to improve the area.

It was made by artist Luke Gray with help from the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust, which gave him historic images and advice on the design.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky said making the area inviting was important.

Improving London Street and Sheppard Street are key parts of the project to improve the Railway Village area.

The scheme has received £3m from the government's Towns Fund, the Local Democracy Reporting Service was told.

Work will include widening pavement in front of the Carriage Works on London Street, new railings and planting outside the Bristol Street tunnel and a pocket park outside the Sheppard Street underpass.

Ms Strinkovsky said: "I want people to be able to walk and spend time in this amazing location and experience Swindon's fascinating history.

"The more we can do to encourage that, the better.

"Not only will this project improve the experience for people walking through the area, but it will also improve connections between the town centre and the Outlet Village and Steam Museum, which we know are popular destinations for many out-of-town visitors."