A COMMUNITY campaign aims to give a historic tunnel a new lease of life.

Rottingdean Coastal Councillor Bridget Fishleigh wants to see Saltdean tunnel rejuvenated with a new sign, noticeboard and mural.

The sign would say “Welcome to Saltdean” and sit proudly above the entrance to the walkway, which provides a path underneath the A259 to the beach.

The mural would feature a colourful aquatic scene on the inside of the tunnel.

A proposed noticeboard would inform visitors of the history surrounding the area.

The brick-lined tunnel was built in 1933 as part of the newly constructed undercliff walk and sea defences.

Cllr Fishleigh said: “Right here, right now is the launch of our fundraising to rejuvenate Saltdean tunnel.

“Nearly 90 years ago the tunnel was carved out of our cliffs.

“As the gateway to Saltdean beach and undercliff walk, it remains one of the defining features of the seafront.

“But unfortunately, rather than being a focal point of pride, the tunnel has become increasingly tired and neglected.

“This is why we’re on a mission to put this right and rejuvenate Saltdean tunnel with a beautiful welcome sign, mural and matching noticeboard.”

A Crowdfunder campaign called Saltdean Tunnel Refurb has been started to raise money to enable the renovation to be carried out. It has currently collected more than £875 and has 44 days remaining to hit its target of £6,000 – £4,000 for the mural, £1,500 for the sign and £500 for the community noticeboard.

The fundraising page states: “Hand-painted on the south end of the tunnel by award-winning Brighton-based artists S.o.S and Req, the mural will reflect the wealth of marine life on our doorstep.

“It will be on both walls and the ceiling so that the viewer will feel that they too are underwater. It will be created with weatherproof paint, complete with a graffiti-proof wipe-clean covering.

“At least five people in Saltdean will have the spray and special clothes needed to maintain the mural so someone will always be around to keep it looking amazing.”

The sign will be designed and created by local metal workers to withstand the rigours of the seafront, only requiring the occasional wipe down to keep it fresh.

The fundraisers said: “A new noticeboard will display information about Saltdean’s proud history plus upcoming events and services which will mean that people will no longer have to post their signs on the railings at each end of the tunnel.”