Art wall trial could help combat illegal graffiti

The new art wall will be situated on the A350 Bath Road in Melksham

A council is piloting a new legal art wall to give artists the opportunity to showcase their talent and to reduce illegal graffiti.

Launching later this year, the new art wall will be situated on the A350 Bath Road in Melksham.

While Wiltshire Council will monitor and manage the wall, a local community arts group will take on the day-to-day running of the wall, including the maintenance and cleaning of the artwork.

Councillor Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Highways and Street Scene, said "the aim is to both reduce illegal and unsightly graffiti" and to "give local artists a legal outlet to share their talents".

Illegal graffiti

“Graffiti is a longstanding antisocial issue across the country, and so we’re pleased to be able to trial this legal art wall in Melksham, with the hope it can be a success to roll out into other areas of the county," he said.

Councillor Holder said other local authorities have trailed similar projects, and they have seen "a fall in illegal graffiti along with increased engagement with the community".

“We hope to see some fantastic artwork showcased on the wall once it launches later this year – along with a decrease in illegal graffiti in Melksham during the coming months," he added.

Art supplies will be provided by the artists and the council said they will step in to remove any inappropriate artwork if required.