GRAFITTI artists are being welcomed with open arms in an innovative scheme to transform a dingy subway.The novel plan – thought to be the first of its kind in Suffolk – has been put forward by Kesgrave Town Council in a bid to solve the problem of offensive graffiti in a subway under Ropes Drive, near to Bugsby Way.

GRAFITTI artists are being welcomed with open arms in an innovative scheme to transform a dingy subway.

The novel plan – thought to be the first of its kind in Suffolk – has been put forward by Kesgrave Town Council in a bid to solve the problem of offensive graffiti in a subway under Ropes Drive, near to Bugsby Way.

The council hopes that the injection of colour will deter would-be graffiti artists from defacing the subway in future.

Problems with graffiti and anti-social behaviour have been the subject of new legislation announced in the recent Queen's speech. The government plans to combat the problem via a series of new bills to be unveiled during 2003.

Kesgrave's scheme is being funded through a £350 grant from Suffolk Police and a £100 grant from Tesco superstore, in Kesgrave.

Judith Francis, of Kesgrave Town Council, said: "It costs a lot of money to remove graffiti and repaint the walls so we were trying to think of a way to alleviate the problem.

"Some of the graffiti has been very obscene and sometimes very personal, which causes problems."

The scheme hopes to attract those responsible for the graffiti to come back and cover it with fresh graffiti, although the design will have to be agreed by the town council.

"If the youngsters have been involved in the project, perhaps they will call it own and not graffiti it again in the future," added Mrs Francis.

Discussions are currently underway to try and find a skilled artist to co-ordinate the project. It is hoped to begin the scheme in April 2003.

If it proves to be a success it has not been ruled out carrying out similar projects in the three other Kesgrave subways.