THE youth group in Dingestow called Tunnel Vision are heartbroken at a recent decision by Welsh Assembly officials not to allow a mural designed by them to be painted on to a dual carriageway underpass in the village.
The scheme has been turned down by the engineer from the National Assembly who claims that the concrete face must be kept clear for inspection purposes every three months since the introduction of the 40 tonne lorries to roads.
"We have been working hard on the design and fundraising for the mural for weeks," said Lisa-Anne Dickinson. "We frankly can't understand why the Assembly have said no when the underpass has been covered in obscene graffiti for so many years. All we wanted to do was brighten up the area with the children."
"Surely this project by the children should be supported," said County Cllr Duncan Anstey. "I am so very proud of what these young people have achieved to date."
Cllr Anstey together with children and adults involved in the project met Michael German, Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales East, at Dingestow on Saturday.
After visiting the site, Mr German said: "It is wonderful to see the young people of Dingestow, ably guided by Myra Bowen, involved in such a worthwhile project. Communities need people of all ages to be active in them if they are to thrive and move forward.
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"I understand that for safety reasons these inspections must be carried out for the testing period on the bridge. However, I am sure that a compromise can be reached. I have been in touch with the officials concerned and they have agreed to meet Cllr Anstey and representatives of the group at Dingestow. I am hopeful that a scaled down version of the project can be agreed upon until all the work is completed."