Graffiti hotspot transformed by local children

Over the course of two days, groups of Year 4 students worked with local artists James and Luke, from the fantastic graffiti project specialist iMAGESKOOL, to work their creative magic and give the Barnby Road bridge underpass, along the Sustrans track, a much-needed makeover.

Following a lot of cheerful deliberation from the children, and ideas including zombies and unicorns, the groups chose a bright and blue underwater design for one side and a sprawling, green forest scene for the other!

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “The new artwork looks absolutely fantastic, and it was really wonderful to see the children so enthusiastic about the project and getting to put their own creative stamp on their school’s local area.

“It really is so important for young people to get involved with their local community, and not only that but the designs the children chose really showcase some of the key messages we are focussing on, the importance of improve the health of our rivers and oceans and tackling wildlife crime.”

This bridge, along with the Clay Lane bridge, were freshened up by Barnby Road students in 2021 after the site was reported as a hot spot for criminal activity and had caused residents great concern especially through the dark winter months.

Councillor Paul Taylor continues: “This bridge had previously been given a similar make-over by students but unfortunately that work was selfishly vandalised and as such we have organised this project to once again give student the chance to have a creative and positive impact on their community, I hope they feel proud whenever they walk past and see their work! I encourage residents to take a look if they are in in the area and see the fantastic artwork that’s been created.”

The District Council regularly works on a number of projects similar to this, working with local children and young people to encourage attitude and behaviour change in order to reduce anti-social behaviour and encourage involvement with the local community. This includes water and fire safety events, engaging with local schools and educating young people about wildlife crime.

This project has been made possible through the Safer Streets funding, which is aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour, neighbourhood crime, and violence against women and girls across the county. In total more than £333,000 will be spent across the North Nottinghamshire Community Safety Partnership area, which also includes Bassetlaw District Council. 

Councillor Jane Buxton, Chair of Balderton Parish Council said: “The students and local artists have done such a brilliant job on the artwork, it adds such a fresh and positive feel to the area! I hope it brightens up people’s day when they walk along the track. 

“We want residents to feel proud of the area they live in and getting children involved in such a positive community project is a really lovely opportunity to help us achieve that, even from a young age!”