I walk through the Henley Wood Road Underpass multiple times each week, but this well-worn public access route is looking unloved and this often makes it feel unsafe.
After working with the borough council, the drains are being cleared, and the lights inside have also been cleaned to make it brighter. We’re also looking into organising a leaf cleaning along the pathway.
Local residents and I have also been dreaming of bigger plans, and we would love to see a mural on the walls of the underpass to replace the uneven tiles and graffiti. This would make the area more welcoming for children and strongly disincentivise future graffiti.
Our plan is to commission a mural that shows the links between the two communities, perhaps depicting scenes from South Lake and the Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve.
We have found a local artist who is willing to help, and who has experience of creating other pieces of street art in the area – Dr Jenna Fox.
After my conversations with them, both Network Rail and Wokingham Borough Council are supportive of the project going ahead.
