AN ART project will get underway next week to help rejuvenate a graffiti-covered canal tunnel in Kidderminster.

The community can get involved in the work, which is being led by Peter Barber - the artist who created a mural of music icons opposite the Boar’s Head in Worcester Street.

The canal tunnel under St Mary’s Ringway links the areas below St Mary’s Church to Weavers Wharf and is seen as a key gateway into the town.

Tracey Onslow, cabinet member for housing and environmental services said: “The canal is one of Kidderminster’s most important assets. It is a key boating and pedestrian route and should be a pleasurable way to enter the town.

“However, this tunnel has long become synonymous with anti-social behaviour and with extensive graffiti. There appears to be a strong fear of crime in the tunnel causing many people to avoid it.

“It also creates a poor first impression for visitors which, among the boating community, has lead to anecdotal evidence that the town centre is not a place to spend much time. Clearly, this is not the case and this project will help to correct this idea.”

As part of the project, Mr Barber will be running a design workshop next Tuesday from 10am to 3pm, at the Boar’s Head.

It is free to attend for anyone over the age of 13 and offers a chance to play a part in the creation of the artwork.

Volunteers who attend the workshop will then have the opportunity to work on-site next Wednesday and Thursday to complete the work.

The plans are part of the ReWyre initiative, which aims to redevelop areas of land next to the canal.

“Although there are ambitious long-term plans for canal-side areas, this project is great opportunity to take immediate action and make dramatic improvements to the environment in the short-term,” said Stephen Clee, cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration.

The project is being undertaken by Wyre Forest District Council with support from British Waterways and the Community Housing Group.