This summer, Chelmsford City Council will be working with a local artist and High Chelmer to improve the artwork on Can Bridge – and they need your help.

The Can Bridge underpass, a popular riverside walkway between Bell Meadow and Central Park, is being improved as part of the Council’s NICE programme to encourage neighbourhood pride and as a community safety initiative.

As it is a well-used footpath for residents, children, families and people who work in Chelmsford, the authority is looking for ideas from local residents, pupils and community groups for the new artwork.

A public vote later in May will determine which of your suggestions will be interpreted by an artist and painted onto the underpass. Works will commence in early June.

Councillor Janette Potter, Cabinet Member for Waste Management & Recycling at Chelmsford City Council, said: “The Can Bridge Underpass, at the heart of our City, is due for a bright, colourful and artistic revamp.

"We want the new artwork to be something that local residents take pride in, so we would love to see lots of people getting involved and sending in their ideas.

"If you have a suggestion for an attractive image that will suit the park setting of the underpass, please let us know.”

High Chelmer Centre Manager, Mick McDonagh, added: “I’m thrilled that the centre is able to sponsor the Can Bridge Underpass between Central Park.

"A significant number of our shoppers and staff use the underpass on a daily basis and I’m really pleased that it is getting the attention that it deserves.

"I encourage everyone to get their ideas for the artwork in and be a part of this project.

"Improving the underpass will make such a difference to the entire area.”

If you have any ideas that you would like to see on the underpass, please email: nice@chelmsford.gov.uk or write to: Service Development Team, Freighter House, Drovers Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5PH by 13 May 2016.