Skelmersdale Underpasses Transformed with Nature Art to Enhance Safety

Subways traversing a west Lancashire town have undergone a vibrant revitalization, intended to “make the community feel safer.” Two underpasses in Skelmersdale, previously defaced by graffiti and littered with refuse, have been cleaned up and adorned with a new woodland and animal-themed artistic design, an initiative spearheaded by the charity Uthink PDP. Their “Subway Jams” project involves the charity collaborating with local artists, Lancashire County Council, and schools to redecorate the subway routes that connect numerous areas of the town. Local artist Simon Daly stated that the most crucial aspect was to contribute positively to the community. A subway linking the Upholland area of the town to Digmoor, and another situated near The Beacon, originating from Elmers Green, are the latest to receive this artistic treatment. Mr. Daly, 31, founder of Kingsyze Graffiti, commented: “We found that people where crossing the roads rather than using the subways because they can be dark and run down. “After we have painted them and cleaned them up people feel a lot safer using them”.” The group also conducts cleaning and litter-picking efforts in the surrounding vicinity. Mr. Daly noted that the subways had previously featured offensive graffiti, broken glass, litter, and dirt on the walls. “The reaction has been nothing short of amazing, the local people of Skelmersdale have really accepted our artwork over the years,” Mr. Daly remarked. Passerby Linzi Sananes mentioned that her children, Evelyn, six, and Avery, three, were “made up to see the lovely new artwork on the underpass heading up to the Beacon.” Mr. Daly, along with Gary Pate, founder of Uthink PDP, and local artist Nathan James, have been creating street art and engaging with the town for the past 15 years, with their designs also appearing at Skelmersdale’s skateparks. Lancashire county councillor Peter Buckley, said: “It’s great to see this work highlighted as it looks fantastic.” He added: “My thanks go out to all of those involved in this project, particularly the young people who have really demonstrated their creativity.”