WORK has started on a controversial mural being painted on a wall at Diglis.

Last month the Worcester News reported on a planning application for the temporary mural across the north facing wall of the Diglis Oil Dock.

Planners later gave the project, submitted by the Canal and River Trust, the go-ahead despite angry residents saying it would ‘lower the tone’ of the area, and one resident complaining it would "increase noise, litter, footfall right outside our home".

After receiving planning permission the artist behind the 'Opening the Floodgates' project, Lucy McLauchlan, has now started work at the site, with the eye-catching mural already taking shape.

The artist, who has had commissions around the world including across Europe, China, Japan and The Gambia, said: "My studio in Birmingham is based on the canal - my immediate environment is a huge inspiration in my work. From my previous project painting murals along the canal-side in Birmingham, I got to know the waterway by canoe. I’m looking forward to discovering the waters of Worcestershire and getting to know its communities, as I’m working in their ‘back garden’.”

The artwork is the final project of The Ring, part of the Canal and River Trust’s Arts on the Waterways programme.

Cathy Mager, artistic director of The Ring, said: “We’re delighted to be launching this major new public art landmark for Worcester by a West Midlands based artist.

"This extraordinary aquatic mural explores important ecological and environmental aspects of the local waterways. We encourage the public to visit and enjoy the artwork’s ever changing appearance as water and light levels fluctuate and shift.”

Tim Eastop, executive producer of the programme, added: “It’s great that Lucy is bringing her talent, imagination and ambition to the river. We always say that things slow down by water, they are calmer and more reflective, so I’m hugely excited to see how this reflected in her work.”

For more information about Lucy McLauchlan visit: http://lucy.beat13.co.uk.