A Fresh Look at Restoration

Underpasses across Colchester are being revamped with a lick of paint thanks to Colchester Borough Council’s partnership with the Colchester Youth Offenders group.

The Highwoods underpass is the first of several large scale projects to be completed in Colchester over the summer in a bid to clean up graffiti, with the support of the Colchester Youth Offenders group.

Ground Works East of England, a charitable organisation, has committed funding for future projects throughout the borough. Work will continue on painting Colchester’s underpasses, and in tackling graffiti on the town to sea trail and in residential areas.

Mark Russell, Reparation Officer, Colchester Youth Offenders, said: "We have enjoyed working in close cooperation with the Council. The experience is proving very positive for the young people involved, who are passing the message around to other young people about the consequences and distress caused by graffiti.”

Cllr Tim Young, Portfolio Holder for Street and Waste Services, said: “The initiative has been a valuable and productive one, which has cleaned up an area that has long been a problem.

“We have already had positive feedback from passers by and thank both Colchester Young Offenders and Ground Works for helping us improve our surroundings and the quality of life for residents in the borough. We look forward to work with them again in the future.”