WW1 mural to 'strengthen area's rich history'

A new mural depicting life in the World War One trenches has been unveiled.

Co-ordinated by publishing company ThinkingBigger Ltd, the artwork, at Hilsea Station, aims to strengthen the area 's "rich history", Portsmouth City Council said.

The work was created by authors Spike Zephaniah Stephenson, whose design was chosen, and local historian Sue Harper, who penned the letter incorporated in the mural.

"As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it is particularly poignant to see these efforts come to fruition, as we all collectively honour the sacrifice of our armed forces, veterans and their families," city council leader Steve Pitt said.

The unveiling of the mural was marked by a "yarn bomb" of crocheted poppies made by volunteers from across the city.

Volunteers from the Remembrance Centre also decorated the new bollards that have been installed to help keep the space clear of vehicles for pedestrians.

A second remembrance mural is under construction on the west side of the underpass, which the council said it hoped to develop in collaboration with local schools.

The station works were funded by a £50,000 grant from South Western Railway (SWR).

As part of the scheme, additional CCTV and lighting has also been installed.

SWR's customer and commercial director, Peter Williams, said funding was awarded to projects "that deliver clear community benefit or address an area of social need across our network".

He added the work would make the area "safer and more accessible for local residents".

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