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Underpass art to represent 'light and positivity'

Alex Pope
BBC News, Bedfordshire
Andy Willsher A number of people painting an underpass, with white walls and colour on them. They are all bending over, wearing covers and holding paint brushes. A cover is on the floor. Andy Willsher
Young children from Castle Newnham School helped to paint colourful designs

An underpass that needed some "tender loving care" has been updated and renovated with a vibrant design to represent "light and positivity".

The subway by the Embankment and Aspects Leisure Park in Bedford was prone to flooding and has fully reopened after being closed for several weeks.

New lighting has been installed, a water leak fixed and the pavement resurfaced.

A mural was painted on the walls by artists, helpers and young people from Castle Newnham School and Bedfordshire's youth offending service.

AlexPope/BBC An underpass, showing old worn paint, and a path, that is dark. The paintings on the wall include a tree, boats and colourful images. AlexPope/BBC
Several paintings of scenes from Bedford were on the underpass walls before they were renovated

Bedford Creative Arts, who were commissioned by Bedford Borough Council to brighten up the area, said: "It had been in need of some TLC for a long time, often being prone to flooding."

Local artists Sarah Harrison and Paige Denham, collaborated with young people on the design and artwork.

Bedfordshire Youth Offending Service manager Pat Jennings said young people had told them about "the biases and stigma that surround people who may have been associated with negative behaviours in the past".

"It led to a discussion about poetry and song, which inspired 'a vibrant design representing light and positivity'."

She said they acknowledged the "importance of inspiration to help you overcome everyday struggles."

A participant from the young offender scheme said: "I wasn't sure I would be any good at it but I have really enjoyed it and am proud of the painting I've done."

Fellow painter Matilda said: "I really like all the colours and shapes."

Passer-by Valerie Bailey said the renovation looked amazing and asked if the group could "do the rest of the town".

The project was supported by ward funds from Bedford Borough Green councillors Lucy Bywater, Paul Edmonds, Liberal Democrat councillor Hilde Hendrickx and a grant from the Safer Bedfordshire Community Fund.

Ms Bywater said: "It's an amazing and cheerful design that really brightens the underpass and makes the experience of using it so much more joyful than before."

Alastair Wren A freshly painted underpass, with new flooring, white painted walls and black painted railings. Alastair Wren
Councillor Sarah Gallagher said the work was a "fantastic example of how art can transform public spaces and bring communities together"

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