Mosaics transform pedestrian subway

At the bottom of Dover Hill in East Folkestone, residents of Brabner Close and Dallas Brett estates used to be gripped with "fear and loathing" every time they had to use the dark, smelly subway that led them beneath the old A20. Now locally designed mosaic panels and new lighting have transformed the underpass into bright pedestrian walkway.

A campaign led by Hill Road Area Residents Action Group has inspired the students of Folkestone Academy. Working in conjunction with Kent Highway Services the students have transformed the gloomy underpass into what residents now refer to as "an art gallery on the back doorstep". Nineteen colourful mosaic panels, designed by the Academy students have really brightened up the underground passage.

Church community worker Jon Clarke and Community Warden Nick Adams worked with members of the Hill Road Area Residents Action Group, and their County Councillor to push the transformation through.

Jon says "We'd no idea how many people were concerned about using the subway till a survey showed us that 65% of people didn't like going through it. Then we found out by talking to people that three quarters of the people - including children - would cross the busy dual carriageway rather than venture underneath. It took us three years of persistent work to find the right scheme and to get funding so we could do the work."

Over thirty thousand pounds have been provided by Kent Highway Services and other Kent County Council money. Folkestone Academy's Art Extension Class expended a whole year and four thousand person-hours to produce the nineteen mosaic panels. Today, residents have three brightly and well lit tunnels, decorated with artwork by their own young people.

Jon Clarke (01303 867002) 10th November 2009

For a fuller report email Jon at jclarke2000@btinternet.com