A mural created by schoolkids in Johnstone has been destroyed by fire.
Thousands of pounds worth of paint and hours of work have been undone by the blaze, which damaged the much-loved creation.
The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, September 28 at the Hallhill Road underpass which residents in recent years have been striving to improve.
Two wheelie bins were allegedly stolen from somebody’s property and taken to the recently refurbished pedestrian tunnel with the sole purpose of setting them alight.
Flames licked at the walls, which were painted by pupils from primary schools in the area in 2019. A large portion of the under-sea themed mural has been destroyed.
A resident of Ettrick Terrace allegedly had a mattress set alight in a close on the same night.
They told George MacDonald, secretary of the Corseford Tenants and Residents Association (CTARA), that around 11pm, they witnessed two males in black hoodies walking away from the fire and in the direction of the underpass.
George was devastated to see the product of so much local graft ruined and said: “It has destroyed all the work that we as a community have done in the past two years in regenerating that tunnel.
“We've raised thousands of pounds and spent hundreds of hours painting that tunnel and it's just been destroyed by whoever it was that set that fire.”
The mural was painted by pupils from Forbank and St Anthony’s primary schools, with help from local artist Lauren Anderson who guided the project. It took two weeks to complete.
“These primary school children designed it and painted it," added George. "They were responsible for the regeneration of that tunnel, and it’s just been ruined."
The mural brought a lot of joy to those who used it – with big fish, octopus and sharks painted all over it.
George explained: “Adults and kids love walking through the tunnel because there's such an array of different animals and different sea creatures they can identify.
"It’s good for education for the youngsters and it's just brightened the whole tunnel up.”
Johnstone councillor Andy Steel said the community would not let this get them down and will continue striving to improve their area.
He said: “It’s obviously disappointing. The work that was done down there was a real triumph for community spirit and I’m determined to keep that community spirit going.”
Police say they have charged a 16-year-old boy in connection with the incident.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police were made aware of bins having been set on fire on Hallhill Road in Johnstone on the evening of Wednesday, September 28.
“A 16-year-old male youth has been charged in connection with the incident and will be reported to the children’s panel.”
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