Nearly 100 pupils from two Bournemouth schools got together to celebrate Christmas in a subway this year.
Lowther Road subway, which passes under Wessex Way to connect Lowther Road with Lowther Gardens, was host to Malmesbury Park Primary School (MPPS) and Bethany School’s annual Christmas carol service, where students celebrated the work that has gone into transforming the area.
As part of the towns largest travel programme Bournemouth Borough Council has been working to make sustainable travel easier, safer and more attractive. Lowther Road subway was identified as a key route in need of improvements to make it easier and safer for people getting around by foot and encourage children and their parents to walk to nearby schools.
Working in partnership with WAVE arts education, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and Dorset Police improvements included installing CCTV, to increase safety and security, as well as working with local artist Ilse Black to create a mural featuring paintings by local school children, which was installed by The Beep Studio. Students and lecturers from AUB also organised two pop up events within the subway, aimed at improving local attitudes towards the area.
Councillor Michael Filer, Cabinet Member for Transport said, “It’s fantastic to see the finished work in the subway; the whole area is much more vibrant and there is a real sense of it being a part of the community.
“I hope it continues to be a popular walk way for residents so everyone has the chance to enjoy the mural as well as the benefits of walking.”
To find out more about walking and cycling in Bournemouth visit www.gettingabout.co.uk
