A graffiti-strewn underpass is being transformed in memory of a teenager who was tragically killed after being hit by a car.

Mya Lawrence, 13, was struck by a vehicle while crossing Whitfield Hill in Dover in October 2021, as she made her way home from a trip to McDonald’s with friends.

That evening, the kind and funny teen had been forced to choose between crossing the road or using the nearby dimly-lit underpass.

Since then, Mya’s family has campaigned for more safety measures in the area and now the tunnel is set to be painted over and decorated in £17,500 project, in the hope that more people will use it.

It comes after Kent County Council (KCC) installed lights in the passageway and fixed drainage issues, which had previously led to flooding.

Dawn Foulkes, chief executive of charity Dover Smart Project, which is spearheading the scheme, says the underpass used to be “horrible”.

She said: “It flooded, the lights weren’t working and people weren’t using it which is probably part of the reason why Mya and her friends crossed the road because it was easier than going through the underpass.

“It just looked grim and with support from the parish council, we’re decorating it with designs from the community including children from local schools.”

Ms Foulkes and her fellow chief executive Laura Graham have arranged for the walls of the tunnel to be covered up with designs created by residents, which all have a nature theme.

A butterfly logo for new signs, donated by RK Graphics, has been designed by Mya’s sister, Ava.

The project is being funded by £15,000 from the National Lottery, as well as £500 from McDonald’s in Whitfield. The fast-food branch wanted to help after their employees who use the underpass would arrive with sodden feet, due to flooding in the route, which has since been sorted.

Meanwhile, Whitfield Parish Council has donated £2,000.

Mya mum Dawn Hopkins, who has long called for more safety measures, hopes the project will help keep children safe.

She added that her “bright, funny, kind and loved” daughter, who always looked after others, is missed every day.

On Wednesday, March 13, the community is invited to help paint the underpass using designs of trees, animals and flowers.

Renamed Mya’s Way, its grand opening will be on Friday, March 15.

Ms Foulkes says it is a privilege for the charity, which aims to change lives through art and creativity, to be part of the project.

She said: “It’s a privilege and a pleasure and to see how this space will be transformed for the community.”