A mural painted by schoolchildren in a Shoebury underpass has been defaced to the dismay of parents and pupils.

Six-year-old pupil Thomas Dyke was so upset when he saw the work destroyed by vandals he had to close his eyes to walk past the mural.

Friars Infants School and Shoebury High School created the mural to brighten up the underpass at Constable Way, near to the school, using the theme of the four seasons. It was unveiled by former mayor Nora Goodman and MP Sir Teddy Taylor.

Mum Janice Dyke was appalled the work could be so cruelly damaged by vandals. Damp is also causing problems to the mural.

She said: "So much hard work went into painting it and to see it ruined by morons is really sad and the language is terrible. Thomas was really upset to see it."

A meeting has resolved the fate of the underpass and it is to be patched up with new designs.

Councillor Verina Wilson said: "The first mural has suffered partly because of damp in the underpass and some of it has come off. But it is coated in anti-graffiti paint and hot soapy water should get it off."

A second mural is to be created by Friars Junior School, aided by Shoebury High next term. The junior school will be invited to retouch their original art work.

Mrs Wilson added: "When the underpass is redone there will be pride back again and I think the graffiti will stop."

Upset - friends Thomas Dyke and James Coster, both six, are sad to see their work ruined

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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