Wildflower mural to brighten up community street

A mural celebrating the beauty of wildflowers has been revealed in Wiltshire after a community group decided to brighten up their street.

Wildflower Haven has been unveiled at Honeymead in Calne, Wiltshire, with locals hoping the art will help create a sense of community pride.

Calne Clean Up Crew commissioned artist Sam Elliot to paint the wall, after securing funding from housing association GreenSquare Accord (GSA).

It comes after two other murals were painted in the town to mark 250 years since Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen at Bowood House, while living in Calne.

Cath Crofts, a founder of Calne Clean Up Crew, said: “We were approached by residents of Honeymead who loved the town murals and wanted one of their own.

“After consultations with the residents and no objections, funding was secured, and a date was set.

"We are so pleased to have been able to brighten up this area for the residents."

GSA provided £1,000 of funding from its community investment fund, after calls from residents to enhance the area's visual appeal, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) says.

Melissa Shephard, a housing officer at GSA, said: “The mural looks fantastic, and it has been amazing to see how the community has been included in the process.”

The mural was created with help from local artists Penny Errill and Sandi Sayer, as well as volunteers Tegan Godwin-Deveney and Calne town councillor Tim Havenith.

Cllr Havenith said: “A heartfelt thanks to the Calne Clean Up Crew and their passionate volunteers for all they do for our town, from routine litter picking, supporting local events, and creating stunning artwork such as this new mural.”

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