A RUNDOWN area of canal in south Leamington, plagued by anti-social behaviour, is having a makeover.
Thanks to a team effort between councillors, businesses, school children and students from Warwick University, the Rushmore Street Canal is becoming a far more inviting and biodiverse space.
The Rushmore Street Canalside Group was formed a year ago with the aim of enhancing the area next to the canal which had become derelict and abandoned and daubed with graffiti.
The group called on the services of Warwick District Councillor Will Roberts who gave his support.
Since then, volunteers have cleared the area to open it up and plant new trees, fruit bushes and a variety of flowers, all donated by residents and Warwick University.
They have also created a hedgehog hotel and put up bird boxes.
The communal bin has been moved away from the bench and new benches are due to be installed soon.
The graffiti is set to be replaced by children’s artwork and to that end, school children from Campion School, Evergreen Special School and Sydenham Primary have been visited by artist and florist Sarah Horne, who has been inspiring them with art for the project.
And students from Warwick University have been cleaning up the wall ready for the pupil’s artistic creations.
Coun Roberts said: “I was really pleased when local residents approached me with their ideas, and I was more than happy to help. This is a special place on the canal, so it’s great when the community comes together like this to work to improve it for everyone. It’s fantastic that local schools, businesses, and university students have joined local residents to enhance this area.”
The community group would like to thank everyone who has helped towards improving the area including Sarah Horne for her time, Travis Perkins for donating £180 of paint towards the project, the Canal and River Trust, Warwick University students and Warwick District Council.
