previous story (News Browser) Next story
Alleyway transformed by local youngsters
Bright and cheerful seasonal scenes are providing a welcome sight for children and parents on their way to Lessness Heath Primary School, Erith.
A 35 metre long section of wall running along the alleyway between Erith Road and Roberts Road, which provides a short cut to the school, has been transformed thanks to an attractive mural painted by local youngsters under the guidance of professional artists.
The idea to paint a mural to brighten up the alleyway first came from Mr Adam Higgins, the school’s Headteacher at the time, early last summer. Following discussions with Bexley Council’s Youth Development Officer, Tony Ball, the school successfully obtained a £3,175 lottery grant from Awards for All and the mural project was underway. Mrs Carole Alleway, Assistant Headteacher of the school, together with the School Council, went on to organise events.
Pupils were invited to take part in an art competition which provided some excellent suggestions on what they wanted to see on the wall, and the winning ideas, together with further input from members of Welling Youth Centre, were put forward to Positive Arts, to be adapted by professional artists.
It was agreed that the final design would depict all the seasons, showing both day and night time scenes, including a colourful display of fireworks for November.
Work began on November 10 with youngsters from Welling Youth Centre preparing the wall. Word soon got around, and before long other local youngsters wanted to join in. Altogether, 12 young people aged 11-16-years old took part in the project, some of them former pupils at Lessness Heath Primary.
The work was carried out evenings and weekends, often under floodlights and with the weather against them. Despite the challenging conditions the mural was finished and the final result was officially unveiled on Tuesday 27 November.
Cllr Simon Windle, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Schools, Adult Education and Youth Services said: “It is very heartening to hear that these youngsters have come together in such a positive way and produced something which the whole community can enjoy. I have been to view the mural and they deserve congratulations for all their hard work.”
Tony Ball, added: “I have been amazed at the talent and ability of this group of young people in doing something really positive for the local area. We are looking forward to the next opportunity to do this again.”
Mrs Alleway, assistant head teacher was equally delighted: “Our alleyway mural is bright, relevant, new and exciting so please take time to admire it as you use the short cut between Erith Road and Roberts Road. We are proud of all the adults, teenagers and children who have been involved with this amazing project.”
|
