A famous subway in Grimsby has been transformed thanks to a street artist and volunteers.
West Marsh children were invited to participate in the art project for the underpass linking Haycroft Avenue to Lincoln Boulevard. It was a no-go area due to the level of drug dealing, poor lighting, anti-social behavior and lack of security.
It was often used by moped maniacs and scared pedestrians using the tube to get to shops and services on Cromwell Road. This is now a bright and eye-catching environmental and community themed storyboard mural.
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It was created thanks to Lynsey Powles who designed character images of Grimsby’s West Marsh and life near the River Freshney. It was funded by the Safer Streets community project, which received money from the Home Office.
Residents told Safer Streets organizers they would take much longer routes to places like shops rather than using the underpass because they felt unsafe. Now CCTV cameras have been installed and the project group has cleaned, painted and removed graffiti, then commissioned Lynsey to make it a brighter space.
(Picture: Grimsby Live)
Councilor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said the aim was to make West Marsh residents feel safer in their homes and foster a sense of belonging to the community. More CCTV cameras have been installed in crime and anti-social behavior hotspots in West Marsh.
Residents who have been targeted by criminals and those causing anti-social behavior are visited to make their homes safer. This was done using part of the Home Office funding to buy and distribute alarm systems, locks and security lighting.
Volunteers and project staff set out to clean the alleyways, clear the underpass, and build a network of community champions. Flowers were also planted throughout the West Marsh.
Councilor Shepherd said: “I am really happy with the new look of the underpass. It shows that with a little care and attention, these spaces can become attractive, clean and safe spaces.
“When the Safer Streets project started in West Marsh, residents told us they would do all they could to avoid using the underpass because it didn’t feel safe. We have listened to these concerns and acted.
(Picture: Grimsby Live)
“The project group installed additional CCTV in the area, cleared it of overgrown foliage, removed graffiti and repainted it, added additional lighting and commissioned a local street artist to render the underpass I’m really happy with the results and I hope residents will now use the underpass and feel safer.
“It shows what can be achieved with local residents and organizations. I would like to thank the residents of West Marsh, VANEL, Humberside Police, Equans and North East Lincolnshire Council for making this possible.
One resident said: “It looks impressive. The security measures will help. I’m just glad they didn’t include a drawing of a dead end on the roof and broken police cars with the cute drawings. from the river.”
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