City mural pays tribute to British novelist

The mural will be unveiled on Friday

A mural paying tribute to British novelist Leslie Poles (LP) Hartley is being unveiled.

Hartley was born in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, and grew up in the Grade II listed Fletton Towers in Peterborough.

Artist Nathan Murdoch and Streets Arts Hire have been working on the mural located on the side of a Chinese take- away just off Oundle Road, near Woodston.

The mural also takes inspiration from Hartley’s novel-turned film The Go-Between, published in 1953.

A plaque commemorating the author's contribution to the Woodston area is located in the Woodston Library

Peterborough City Councillor for Fletton and Woodston ward, Alan Dowson, initiated and commissioned the project. A blue plaque will also be placed to celebrate the author’s history with the area.

The author was still remembered for his connection to Woodston.

It was believed in 1951 his family gifted land to the local community for the Woodston library, currently under threat of closing.

A plaque honouring the gift and opening of the library was put up inside the building - something many regular visitors to the library take pride in.

Nathan Murdoch said the artwork has been getting a positive response from the community

Positively received

The artwork depicts Peterborough from the Victorian Era, with the Town Bridge and Neve Valley Railway making an appearance.

Mr Murdoch called the project a “community effort”.

“We turned around this tribute piece in a very short time. It was Mr Dowson’s idea," he said.

“The whole thing took about seven days. The wall had to be repaired and painted first.

“It is nearly complete. I might be there quite late in the night finishing it today in preparation for the official unveiling.

“People from all different walks of life have been stopping to look at it… some interesting characters as well.. but [it has been] really positively received by the local community."

He added: “A lot of local community’s input has gone into the regeneration of the area. They helped tidy up the area, litter picked created flower beds. It’s amazing.”