Graffiti hotspot transformed by local artist

Emma Garness said she will miss working alongside the Beverley Beck after spending a month painting murals there

An artist has transformed a bridge in Beverley which had been targeted by vandals.

Emma Garness has painted three large murals beside Beverley Beck after being commissioned by East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC).

She told the BBC she had used colours and wildlife from the area as her inspiration.

ERYC said mural projects had helped stop or reduce graffiti and anti-social behaviour in other parts of the area.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said professional murals have become a way of tackling graffiti hotspots

The images, painted on the underside of the bridge, features dogs, swans, flowers and elements of the Beverley community.

Ms Garness said she had "loved" the month-long project despite having to contend with storms, strong winds and hail at times.

"I have loved every second of this project. I always love my work but I've spent so much time here and people have been so kind and generous. It's great.

"There was also a chap who brought at shovel and brush to remove an inch of broken glass which just shows how helpful and welcoming people have been."

Wildlife, plants and other elements of the local area have been the inspiration for the murals

ERYC told the BBC professional street murals were becoming increasingly popular as a way of tackling repeated graffiti hotspots.

A council spokesperson said: "We have a number of sites across the East Riding that are victims of repeat graffiti.

"There are high costs attached for removal and it makes an area unpleasant and unsafe.

"We hope the development of murals can be done in conjunction with young people local to the area to support awareness and co-ownership of the sites."

Officials said they want to create similar murals in other problem areas such as the Hessle Country Park

The funding for the project has come from ERYC, Community VISION and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.

ERYC said it was now looking to create murals at the entrance to Hessle Country Park and the A63 Melton underpass using the work of other local artists.

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