Dark and dingy Southsea street is brightened and made a safer place

Belmont path, located between Scoops and Wok's Wong, was once a dingy alleyway that was frequently used for fly-tipping, but has now been upgraded.

The refurbishment has seen the installation of CCTV to make it safer, and has also received a paint job that has made it more vibrant and colourful.

The artwork was created through a collaboration between Alex Godwin, who works under the moniker Billy, and Form and Function, who had the help of 200 people developing ideas, including students from Cottage Grove School.

Councillor Lynne Stagg, cabinet member for travel and transportation, said: ‘This once unloved alleyway is now a colourful and safe shortcut, with amazing artwork for everyone to enjoy.

Portsmouth City Council and the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner have worked together to redesign areas with high levels of crime being reported and Belmont path has benefitted from the scheme.

The improvements made are in partnership with Hampshire Police Crime Commissioner, funded through the Home Office's Safer Streets Three funding.

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: ‘This is another important step in making Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a safer place to live, work and visit. Small improvements to environments make a big difference.’

The path is a convenient cut through used by parents trying to get to Cottage Grove Primary School.

Cllr Jason Fazackarley, cabinet member for safety in the community, said: ‘It's amazing the difference this fantastic work has made to a cut through that is so useful, especially for parents taking their children to and from school.’