‘Whole Lotta Love’ for town as National Highways funds M5 underpass improvements

National Highways worked with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to fund the mural in a subway off Roebuck Lane in Sandwell, which is part of Route 5 on the National Cycle Network, to encourage more active travel for local journeys to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and benefit people’s health.

Other improvements were made to a crossing, a shared path and lighting was updated. Sandwell Council also supported the project by removing large barriers to help make the path more accessible.

Midlands-based artist Rob Fenton created the mural with the help of pupils at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School who gave their perspective on what makes their town special, from its rich industrial past to local cultural icons.

The bold artwork weaves together a series of locally significant elements, including the Pavilion at Dartmouth Park, Oak House Park and Museum, and The Hawthorns stadium, with further nods to West Bromwich Albion FC’s historic crest.

These references sit alongside a portrait of local legend Robert Plant and lyrics from Led Zeppelin’s song Kashmir – ‘Let the sun beat down upon my face with stars to fill my dream’ – which the artist said inspired optimism and hope.

National Highways, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Sandwell Council funded various improvements to the subway. (From left-right Paul Meadows, Sandwell Council; Lauren Millward & Tom Conroy National Highways; Sandwell Council’s Auntie Duck; Sarah Redfern National Highways; artist Rob Fenton, artist’s wife Kirsty Fenton and Kierson Wise, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust) Sandwell Underpass artwork and associated improvements, recognising the contribution of schoolchildren, artists Rob & Kirsty Fenton, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, National Highways and local partners in helping bring the project to life.Picture by Matt Wilkinson/Stella Pictures Ltd

Freda Rashdi, Head of Customer Journeys at National Highways, said:

“The underpass forms part of a key route in Sandwell linking residential areas with offices and shops. In improving the area with better lighting and a new path, we have opened the route up for more people to feel safe walking or cycling to their destinations.“It is now more accessible and welcoming for the whole community and will give residents a greater choice in how they travel, while showing greater pride in their local heritage and identity.”

Robert Plant shared his own thoughts on the mural and added: “From a time and a place of happy inspiration long ago.”

Artist Rob Fenton, who ran workshops with the schoolchildren to develop the artwork, said:

“Local pride emerged strongly through my chats with the pupils with references to Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin, alongside architecture, industry, music, sport, and nature. These conversations helped shape a visual narrative that reflects both heritage and identity, rooted in the lived experiences and observations of the young participants.“All the elements they shared has formed a layered and vibrant mural that celebrates the area’s past and present, while capturing the energy and aspirations of its younger generation.”

A cyclist using a cycle route by Sandwell Underpass.Sandwell Underpass artwork and associated improvements, recognising the contribution of schoolchildren, artists Rob & Kirsty Fenton, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, National Highways and local partners in helping bring the project to life.Picture by Matt Wilkinson/Stella Pictures Ltd

Walk Wheel and Cycle Trust is custodian of the National Cycle Network and working across the UK to improve its safety and accessibility for all abilities.

Daryl Coulborn, senior urban designer at the Trust said:

“These improvements are a fantastic way to celebrate the musical heritage in this section of the National Cycle Network, while opening up the path to many more people on foot, wheelchair or cycle.“This traffic-free path has great potential as a route for schoolchildren, commuters and local residents wanting to travel under the M5 to the other side of Sandwell, but over the years the subway had become graffitied and uninviting, which was a deterrent for many people. The new lighting, reduced barriers, and colourful mural have transformed the space, making it safer and more welcoming for everyone.”

Sandwell Council launched its clean air campaign with mascot Auntie Duck to teach schoolchildren about air pollution and how it affects their health and everyday lives. Cabinet Member for Children and Families,

Councillor Mona Khurana, said:

“I would like to thank the pupils at Holy Trinity C of E School for taking part in this project and sharing their thoughts on what makes their town special.“It has been wonderful to see young people reflecting on the things that matter most to them, from our rich industrial past and proud manufacturing heritage to the local cultural icons, places and communities that make Sandwell unique.”