Shrewsbury Community Reclaims Underpass
Communities in Shrewsbury, UK, came together to reclaim and transform an underpass previously marred by vandalism. Residents collectively painted over unwanted symbols, turning the space into a canvas for positive expression and local pride.
The recent community action at the Crowmere Road underpass was spearheaded by local resident John Edwards, a retired aerospace worker known as "The Sign Guy." Edwards began a personal mission to clean up the town in 2024, starting with road signs and expanding to tackle graffiti and neglected public spaces, earning him recognition from the High Sheriff of Shropshire and the mayor of Shrewsbury. A group of 25 volunteers joined Edwards on Sunday, March 1, to paint over the graffiti, which included a series of St. George's crosses. The effort was a true community collaboration, with some participants traveling from as far as London and Leicester to help. A stencil for a "Love Shrewsbury" message painted at the underpass entrance was specially created by the Shrewsbury Men's Shed. This organization provides a space for men to socialize, share skills, and engage in community projects, from restoring town benches to building equipment for schools. This underpass has a history of issues with anti-social behaviour. In 2017, it was the subject of an action plan involving Shropshire Council and West Mercia Police following resident complaints. Previous clean-up efforts included a repaint by Shrewsbury College students. Residents had previously reported finding litter, broken glass, and used syringes in the walkway. The road above the underpass, Bage Way, which opened in 1989, is named after Charles Bage, the pioneering 18th-century designer of the town's historic iron-framed Flax Mill.
