A CHEPSTOW artist has said he is "gutted" after his work to transform a neglected underpass in the town was defaced last night.

Toby Garratt has, for the past few weeks, been adding a splash of colour to the tunnel underneath the M48 as it joins the Severn Bridge.

The route has been disused by traffic for some time and had become notorious for used needles and broken glass.

It is the route into the town often used by cyclists and runners crossing from the English side of the bridge.

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It also forms part of the National Cycle Route.

However, last night Mr Garret's work was defaced with spray paint reading 'Toy S***' scrawled over his geometric rainbow design.

He discovered the damage this morning while on his way to work.

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However, despite being "gutted", Mr Garrett remains defiant.

"It's easy to go over black with colour," he said, explaining that money from a fundraiser set up to pay for paints and supplies would instead be used in part to pay for a 'fun day'.

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"I'm going to spend the fundraiser money on (spray) cans and get a load of artists down for a day of tea and cake and art," he said.

"If you are local and like using paint on the streets and expressing yourself in that way, I would be happy to let you join us and maybe learn how to do it better."

This is not the first time Mr Garret's work to beautify the tunnel has been defaced.

Mr Garratt's work was previously vandalised by a group of youths who had stolen some of his spray cans.

However, he has said that he holds no ill will towards the group though, branding them "kids with misguided energy".

Mr Garratt's progress can be tracked through his Instagram page - @TobyPink

To donate towards covering the cost of paint and materials, and plans for a fun day, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paintthetunnel

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