The refurbishment of a subway has been completed and it includes a brand new tribute to a teenager who was murdered nearly 20 years ago.
The artwork in the Cow Lane underpass by the Meriden estate includes ‘Rushy’, which is in honour of Daniel Rush.
Daniel, who lived on the Meriden, was just 18 when he suffered serious head injuries after he was attacked in North Watford on the evening of February 24 2003.
He passed away in hospital a week later on March 1.
After the latest artwork remembering Daniel was completed, his mother Annie said: “I think the renovation of the subway is great and I’d like to thank all the people involved in the project for their hard work and for incorporating Daniel’s memorial in this way.
“My family and I feel honoured and also proud that they wanted to make this lovely tribute which ensures memories of Daniel remain a part of the community.”
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Meriden councillor Stephen Cavinder, who helped organise the subway refurbishment in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, said: “I’m pleased that we were able to incorporate a tribute to Daniel Rush. I didn’t know Daniel personally but I do know that he was a much loved character. RIP Daniel.”
The subway walls also feature wildlife, flowers and meadows and the artwork has been protected in a bid to stop it being vandalised.
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Cllr Cavinder continued: “It has been more than 12 months in the making. A time filled with disappointment, despair, anger - particularly over two targeted acts of vandalism - impatience and stress, but also excitement, anticipation and pride.
“From a tired and dank area to a bright and colourful space. A space which has already created a wealth of conversation as people make their way through it. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.
“I’m hugely indebted to Demograffix and Aimi Rix Artist who worked their ‘street art’ magic.”
This subway is one of a number to have undergone improvement in Watford in recent months.
Students at West Herts College have displayed artwork in an underpass in St Albans Road with pupils from Parmiter's and St Michael's Catholic High School doing the same in a subway that runs under the A405 in Garston.
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