WATCH: Art transforms underpass from grimy to great

In March work finally began on the £20,000 revamp of the Mill Street subway and now the dark, dreary and stained tiles have been replaced with what resembles a walk-through art gallery.

The project has been two-years in the making and work is still ongoing to improve the site, but now Cannock Chase District Council has released footage of the transformation to express gratitude to all of those who have been involved.

The project actually started in 2013 when members on a town centre improvement group decided something had to be done about the site.

Some said they preferred to run across the busy Mill Street instead rather than use it.

Work began to gather pace this January when local artists were consulted and since then the project has moved swiftly through the gears.

The video, posted on YouTube, shows original pieces of artwork being created, photographed, then used to map out how the underpass would look before the designs were transferred onto the new tiles and which were then fitted to the walls. Around 101 pieces of artwork from more than 150 locals have been used at the site from volunteer groups to professionals.

Those involved have included Hednesford Army Cadets, Peter Mason aka 'The post pop art man' who creates masterpieces out of stamps, Phoenix Activities Group in Rugeley, St Luke's Church Hall Carers Group and many more.

While Neil Hudson of Under the Hud graphic designs created the eye-catching Trompe-l'œil works which look like you are standing before a real life art gallery.

That particular idea came about due to the growing calls for Cannock to have its very own dedicated art gallery in the town.

Lisa Shephard, from Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust which has been involved heavily from the start, said: "We did the one at Beecroft Road first but the worst one was Mill Street and we knew we would have to get some more partners on board for it.

"But It has has all been local people who have contributing, as well as the district and county council as well as and Amey.

"The feedback has been nothing but positive since it was unveiled. We've had people coming from all over to look at it. We have noticed the footfall of the underpass has definitely increased."

"People have told us they used to run over the road before but now they don't so it has also made it a safer place to access the town.

"That alone makes it all worth doing.

"So the video is just to say thank you to everyone involved."