Ipswich's campaigning youth group

 

"It started back in 2008," said 16 year old Daniel, one of the youth group. "We wanted to do a practical project which would make a difference where we live.

 

"So we chose the underpass. At first we thought it would just take a lick of paint and a simple clean up but we soon realised that wouldn't be enough."

 

And so began the task of getting the job done.

 

The group says the underpass needs brightening up and the handrails are in desperate need of repair - the CCTV doesn't appear to be enough to deter vandalism.

 

They drew up plans for better lighting and planned to install protective cases filled with artwork from local schools or more established artists.

 

The sprucing up of the underpass would come at a price, however, around £150,000. But the group believes it's a price worth paying.

 

"We've already got 750 names on our petition," said 17 year old Eleanor. "The money we need would come from the public purse, but this is what the public want it spent on."

 

 

The group has already had some meetings with Ipswich Borough Council but now wants to push their ideas forward.

 

At 12 Hannah is the youngest in the group. "If we get help from the council we know it will change for the better," she said.

 

The youth group has the backing of many – from people who regularly use the underpass to the congregation at St Matthew's Church on Portman Road. It was the church links, in fact, and the motivation that they could be a force for change for the better which spurred the project on in the beginning.

 

Lynn Turner, one of the youth group leaders, said: "Through projects like this we can show young people that Christianity's not about being locked behind church doors all the time.

 

"It's about doing something positive in your community. Most of the youth group have lives outside the church and friends and family who have nothing to do with the church and projects like this show there is hope, and that with God's love we can make a difference.

 

"If you teach a child respect from an early age they will learn to give respect back."

 

Any changes to the underpass would be the responsibility of Ipswich Borough Council.

 

"Ipswich Borough Council is aware of the concerns of the youth group and has been working with them to explore what could be achieved to improve the subway," a spokesperson said. "There are currently plans and funding in place for new directional signing.

 

"We understand the frustration of the group but funding is limited and we will continue to consider sources of funding but this may take some time."