Two bridges on the Sustrans Track in Newark have been given a fresh new look thanks to a graffiti project organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council last week. Barnby Road bridge and Clay Lane bridge were given the make-over by students from Barnby Road Academy and Newark Academy. Both bridges had previously been a hot spot for criminal activity and had caused residents great concern especially through the dark winter months. With approval from Sustrans and support from graffiti project specialist’s iMAGESKOOL, both bridges have been brightened up with the hope it will make the area a more welcoming place. One of the bridges incorporates a wildlife theme into its design. Wildlife crime in the area has been one of the key issues the Council has identified over the summer and it’s hoped this new artwork will send out a positive message.

Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Councillor David Lloyd, said: “The work that’s been done is fantastic, the artwork shows some important messages on wildlife crime and recycling and will hopefully make the area more vibrant. “We’ve been engaging with local people and schools to do this work and address the concerns residents have had about the area.

“I want to thank the many partners involved in this project but especially the school children who have taken part. I encourage nearby residents to come down, have a look and see the fantastic artwork that’s been put together.”
Before any work could take place, the District Council Street Scene team cleared the area of any overgrown hedges, weeds and put a blank first-layer on the bridges ready for the students to begin their drawings. Students, members of the community and Councillors spent three days completing artwork on the under passages of the bridges.

Sustrans Land Manager for Midlands and East, Martyn Brunt, said: “The new graffiti art looks brilliant and is a great addition to the path; it’s brilliant to see local young people producing something for the benefit of the whole community.” Sergeant Robert Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It’s great young people can get involved in doing something productive benefiting the whole community and we will continue to support young people and our partners in valuable youth work and engagement.” This project follows on from the successful day of action in Clipstone at the start of November where residents and young people in the community gave the local hub a fresh look with their own graffiti project.