Vandals have defaced a mural painted in an underpass, months after schoolchildren designed the artwork to help improve the area.

The Newtown underpass - which sits under the railway line between Ashford International Station and the Designer Outlet - has been painted yellow and green to reflect the colours of Ashford Borough Council.

The regeneration project was brought to life by Network Rail and the council to improve the attractiveness and safety of the walkway.

Pupils from the North School submitted their ideas for the scheme and the winning designs were painted on the walls of the walkway earlier this year by artist Lionel Stanhope.

But now, rail bosses have arranged a clean-up operation after graffiti was discovered on the walls of the underpass.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Although not entirely surprised, we’re disappointed to see that the new mural in the Newtown Road underpass has been defaced.

"Thankfully the mural was treated with a special anti-graffiti coating which makes it easy to remove any unsolicited additions and we are arranging for a clean up to take place as soon as possible.”

In June, schoolchildren, rail staff and Ashford MP Damian Green attended a ceremony to unveil the artwork.

A council spokesperson added: “We are disappointed to see that the new mural in the Newtown Road underpass has been defaced.

"However, the mural was treated with a special anti-graffiti coating which will allow us to easily remove any unsolicited additions to the space.

"We are currently working with a contractor to ensure the clean-up takes place as soon as possible.”

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