SCHOOLCHILDREN from Eastleigh are helping to revamp a well-used subway.

The pedestrian link beneath the M3 which joins the Boyatt Wood area of Eastleigh with Scantabout in Chandler's Ford will be closed for ten days while workmen give it a major facelift.

After that, a scheme to brighten up the well-used route will swing into action, thanks to pupils from two Chandler's Ford schools.

Scantabout Primary School identified the need to improve the condition, lighting and overgrown approaches to the subway in its school travel plan.

The plan was drawn up by pupils, teachers, governors and parents in conjunction with Eastleigh Council in a bid to encourage walking and cycling to school rather than using cars.

With funding from Hampshire County Council and the Highways Agency, Eastleigh's public art team commissioned Hampshire artist Jeannie Kerswell to work with pupils to design new panels for display in the subway.

Workshops were held by the artist during the winter term and saw groups of children visiting and photographing the subway and its woodland approaches to help create artwork for the

special abstract panels which will go on display there.

Students from nearby Thornden School also helped the artist.

Eastleigh's executive councillor for transport David Airey said: "This imaginative project will link art with improved safety on the school route."

Work will start later this month, with the subway being closed from Saturday, February 26 to Monday, March 7.

During that time contractors will be sanding, cleaning and repainting the subway walls. New lighting could also be installed.

After that the new art panels designed by the schoolchildren will be fixed to the walls.

To allow for the work, access through the subway on March 8 will only be allowed between 7.45am and 5pm.

Letters have been sent to 1,000 residents and the schools to advise them of the subway closure.