A grotty railway station underpass plagued with litter, flooding and graffiti is set to undergo a £5,000 facelift complete with a huge mural.

News of the planned makeover follows a successful bid for funding for improvements to the subway at Faversham station, which has long been a cause of complaints by users.

The money will pay for a deep-clean of the busy underpass, with a local artist also commissioned to create a mural celebrating the town’s history on both sides of the walkway, which links The Mall with the town centre

The grant has come from the Southern Green Fund – a pot of money for initiatives that deliver benefits for the environment and local communities.

It follows a campaign by Faversham MP Helen Whately, who has been besieged with complaints about the subway, leading to discussions with Network Rail about the issue.

She had previously asked the company to clean it several times in recent years but last year proposed a wider restoration.

Together with representatives from West Faversham Community, Centre, Faversham Town Council and the Faversham Society, a bid was submitted, and earlier this month they learned it was successful.

The group are now seeking input from local residents for the design.

Once artist Graham Upton, who is also working with local schools and youth groups, has an approved design, the cleaning and installation will begin, which will include anti-graffiti paint.

“As anyone who’s been through it recently will know, Faversham’s underpass desperately needs some love and attention,” said Mrs Whately.

“Our local team has been working on a solution, and we’ve now won funding for a full clean-up and restoration.

“Long-term neglect of its upkeep has left it in an unacceptable state….”

“Faversham has the most rich and wonderful history, and this is the perfect canvas to celebrate it.”

Chair of the Faversham Society Harold Goodwin added: “The subway is an important route for people to walk into our town centre, and the long-term neglect of its upkeep has left it in an unacceptable state. We hope the outcome of this project improves the situation for the long term.”