The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Vandalism mars new artwork
Residents in Werrington have expressed their sadness and anger after a new mural at Davids Lane underpass was vandalised, less than a week after it was completed.
The mural was created by street artists Nathan Murdoch, Carl Unwin and Steve Crowe and depicts a number of recognisable scenes ‘Past and Present’ in Werrington and was funded by a grant from the Tesco Community Fund.
Despite only being completed on Friday (June 3), residents have already noticed that the mural has been defaced within a few days.
An highly offensive slogan has been written next to the ice skater with her arm outstretched, several smaller tags have been written onto the wall and faces have been drawn onto a number of other figures on the wall.
One resident told the Peterborough Telegraph: “I’m really angry and disappointed that this lovely artwork has already been vandalised with this horrible graffiti.
"I am so upset for the artist to see his work treated like that.”
Another added: “This is disgusting behaviour. I wonder if those behind even know what their messages mean.”
Mr Murdoch, who runs Street Arts Hire Ltd has said he will return to repair but the work but Werrington ward councillor John Fox has called for more vigilant policing to crackdown on the issue.
He said: “This has been reported but again there is no excuse for this sort of behaviour and it saddens most community minded people.
"We need to get more community bobbies back on the real beat amongst the community they serve.”
Before the vandalism, the artwork had been unveiled to the delight of residents.
A number of well-known landscapes feature in an innovative new mural to revitalise one of the city’s underpasses.
It was completed by Nathan Murdoch, Carl Unwin and Steve Crowe from Street Arts Hire Ltd; responsible for numerous colourful murals across the city.
The mural has been funded by a £1000 grant given to Werrington Neighbourhood Council by the Tesco Community Grants scheme.
The funding is designed to support local community projects and good causes across the country.
The underpass was last painted 12 years ago but had been damaged in the years since.
Therefore, Nathan and his team were commissioned to rejuvenate the underpass using design ideas put forward by residents.
Appearing on the walls of the underpass are scenes from the area: Car Dyke roman canal, Werrington Church, St John’s Medieval Festival now the Carnival (from Village Sign), Windmill and Mill House, Cuckoos Hollow and Fenland Skating (Skaters Way), Sobrite Spring, newt ponds and Railway Bridge, Werrington Centre, Scarecrow trail on The Green, Church St with Carnival Bunting.
Werrington Neighbourhood Council Secretary Sally Weald said: “The theme of the artwork is ‘Werrington Past and Present’ and we have tried to represent both the newer and older parts of Werrington.
"The artist's Nathan, Carl and Steve all live in Werrington so it was a real community event. Many residents came out to watch the work in progress expressing their appreciation of their talent.
"It is a busy underpass and the murals have given the area a real lift with people are making special journeys to come and see it.
"Werrington Neighbourhood Council is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year so the completion of the underpass seems a great way to celebrate!”