WORK to brighten up a Teignmouth subway has got off to a flying start.

The community scheme, which is looking at artwork projects around the town, has begun with volunteers needed to help complete the first phase.

Led by Sam Lock, community artist and TRAIL co-ordinator with the TIME, Teignmouth In Mind and Environment community group, the new subway project is taking place over weekends in October.

Part-funded by the Lottery Community Fund, the project also has the support of councillors Martin Wrigley and David Cox who have each given £1,000 from their locality budgets.

Proposals for the design have come from months of planning after discussions with community groups and talks with visitors.

Sam explained: ‘It’s been an exciting few months meeting with community and talking visitors of the town on what they would like to see created in the subways of Teignmouth, after lots of planning, drawing up of ideas and making miniature models of the subway were now here adding the first few coats of paint.

‘It’s empowering to see the community having their say and making their mark on shared spaces like this.

‘It is creative, bright and the artwork chosen by the community brings a sense of belonging and ownership.

‘Lots of passers by have already commented on what a great idea it is and how they can’t wait to see it once finished.

‘Volunteers age four to 76 so far have had their hands in designing, prepping and painting to get this project underway.  

‘This is what I love about our wonderful town and community, we come together and create great things that benefit so many.

‘This is just the start of our creative ideas for the walkways and subways of Teignmouth and what a great start it has been.’

Cllr Cox said: ‘This is the first of a number of projects to brighten up Teignmouth, enhance the town and be a welcome to Teignmouth when visitors first come out of the railway station.’