A NOTORIOUS Stroud graffiti black spot has been turned into a rural fantasy world thanks to a bold new initiative which encourages people to leave a positive mark on the town.

For many years the Wallbridge underpass below Dr Newton's Way has been blighted by graffiti, often using offensive language.

This week however, a group of four street artists from Stroud and Bristol used almost 100 cans of paint to give the area a new look.

In just three days the entire tunnel was transformed by a colourful mural which combines elements of fantasy art with some local landmarks.

"Standing next to the canal and alongside the cycle trail this forms a key gateway into the town for hundreds of people every day," said Stroud mayor John Marjoram.

"A top priority for local residents is to make Stroud a cleaner, safer place.

"We hope this will be a good example of how this can be achieved."

After spending thousands of pounds every year to clear up the mess left by vandals, town councillors have been keen to find a more creative approach to tackle the issue.

Similar work has already been done on the side wall of Milano's cafe bar in Russell Street and Stroud Town Council previously funded a street artist to tackle the side wall at the then empty JoJo's nightclub in Nelson Street.

Two years ago, one street artist, known only as Knight, was awarded the town's design award for the carousel of fairground horses which adorns the unsightly concrete roundabout outside Stroud Railway Station.

If the latest mural gets a good public response, those behind the initiative are keen to find other sites in need of a makeover.

The project is being painted as a good example of how councils can work together to tackle crime and improve the town's appearance.

The Wallbridge site is owned by Gloucestershire County Council, funding was provided by Stroud Town Council and the project falls under Stroud District Council's innovative Wall2Wall initiative.

Local businessman Oliver Jelf, proprietor of the Illustration Gallery in Middle Street, co-ordinated the team.

"These are renowned street artists, as this was a really difficult thing to produce," he said.

"It takes years of practice to be skilled enough to do this sort of very detailed work. I think people will be surprised at what they see."

Colin Peake, anti-social behaviour co-ordinator for the Stroud Safer Stronger Community Partnership, is keen to find more sites for street artists.

"We are keen to provide approved areas around the town where they can showcase their talents, including temporary boards put up by developers, car parks and any walls that might otherwise prove a target for the spray-and-run brigade."

Owners of sites or buildings interested in supporting such a project can contact Mr Peake on 01453 754297.