A JOHNSTONE underpass has been given a major makeover...transforming it into an enchanted forest-themed pathway for the community to enjoy.

In recent years, the Spateston Road site had become a no-go area for local residents due to its poor lighting and shabby condition.

However, it has now been revamped with colourful paintings of Disney characters, exotic animals and vibrant flowers, mostly thanks to the hard work of Spateston Community Development Trust member Donna Porter.

She told The Gazette: “It has taken about eight weeks of painting but I’m really delighted with how it is all looking now.

The Gazette: Dozens of helpers were involved in painting the rundown underpass next to Spateston RoadDozens of helpers were involved in painting the rundown underpass next to Spateston Road

“It started off as an enchanted forest but we kept on adding a bit more because I didn’t want too much of the wall to be blank.

“I also painted the stairs, which we didn’t initially plan to do, but I feel that when you do a job, you’ve got to commit to it one hundred per cent.”

Artist and former Johnstone High pupil Katie Russell designed the initial drawings for the tunnel, some of which were inspired by ideas from local schoolkids, such as including a crocodile.

Donna said: “We had a couple of problems. We painted some of the clouds on the ceiling but it rained later that night and washed the paint down the wall.

“I’d say around 45 people took part in the painting overall. We put up the names of everybody who helped, even if it was just for an hour, so they could get some recognition.

The Gazette: The tunnel has been revamped with colourful paintings of different characters and creaturesThe tunnel has been revamped with colourful paintings of different characters and creatures

“It was often cold and damp and, for a couple of nights, I was eating my dinner down at the tunnel because I had been there so long. However, we got there in the end.”

As well as the new artwork, the underpass has recently benefited from the installation of a new electrical supply and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Donna added: “Renfrewshire Council put in the new lighting for us and it’s absolutely fabulous. When I was painting, a lot of people were saying the tunnel was much safer to use than before because it’s not so dark and dingy.

“I would also like to thank Paths for All for funding the project and Dulux for donating around £200 for the paint.”