Telford's graffiti hotspot given a new lease of life with eye-catching mural
Bold new artwork has appeared on a defunct railway bridge in Ketley, Telford.
It is hoped the mural, commissioned by Ketley and Overdale Councillors Eileen Callear and Amrik Jhawar for a bridge over what was once a railway line, will deter vandals and make people feel safer.
The bridge carries a footpath and cycleway between Ketley and Hadley.
The mural was created by local graffiti artist Neil Willis from 'Auniqueart'. The artwork shows the area's history with a steam train as the centre piece, with a nod to UK wildlife in the Blue Tit and fox that stand on either side of the locomotive.
Councillor Paul Watling said: "This commissioned artwork by the Safer & Stronger project is a positive contribution to making a difference here.
“The new artwork is by a respected graffiti artist and replace a bridge previously used as a hotspot for ‘tagging’, a technique of spraying initials creating an eyesore and a place for anti-social behaviour to gather.
“Now the bridge is a tribute to the area’s history and a piece of art people can enjoy and take pride in, hopefully deterring some of the unwanted behaviour.”
The railway line opened in May 1857, initially for freight to Ketley Ironworks, and then for passengers in 1859 before closing for good in 1964.
Ketley's railway station no longer stands, but would have been situated next to what is now the Ping Hong Chinese takeaway.
The commission comes with funding from Telford & Wrekin Council's Safer & Stronger Communities project, which is investing more that £2m into addressing issues concerning safety and building community groups.
