Watford subway artwork by West Herts College students vandalised

Eleven works of art by teenagers at West Herts College are believed to have been targeted on Saturday night.

The drainage system was also damaged and the sewage covers appear to have been ripped up and used to smash the frames, which were installed in June.

Read more: Students' artwork unveiled after subway refurbishment

Damaged artwork in the St Albans Road underpass. Image: Watford Liberal Democrats

Responding to the incident in the St Albans Road underpass, Nascot ward councillor Mark Hofman said: “This is an appalling act of senseless criminality that has shocked the community. Residents have said this is disgraceful vandalism that has ruined many students’ prize winning artwork, that they worked hard to produce for the enjoyment of pedestrians.

“I’m working with Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council to restore the artwork and clear the damaged frames as quickly as possible.

“Anyone who saw any suspicious activity can contact the police quoting crime ref HC-040922-0261.This incident reinforces the community’s call for CCTV in this area, which as a subway complex is largely obscured from public view.”

Students unveiling their work in June. Image: Hertfordshire County Council

The subway, which connects Essex Road and St Johns Road, had a £40,000 investment earlier this year.

Read more: Subway that was scene of stabbing undergoing £40,000 investment

This vandalism comes after artwork by pupils at Parmiter’s displayed in the subway under the A405 in Garston was defaced in August.

Read more: Students' artwork 'damaged' and 'defaced' by graffiti

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