Huge ‘vandal-resistant’ community mural set to be installed on graffiti plagued estate

The above is the plan for a ‘vandal-resistant’ community mural to be installed on an estate wall perpetually blighted by thugs and graffiti artists.

Cartrefi Conwy applied for planning permission to place the community art project on boundary wall of Tre Cwm (Hospital) Estate in Llandudno. The wall itself belongs to North Wales Housing Association (NWHA).

The artwork is part of the Tre Cwm environmental regeneration scheme and involved the local community, social enterprise Culture Action Llandudno (CALL), Cartrefi Conwy and NWHA.

American artist Kristin Luke was commissioned to work with locals to develop a design that celebrated the area’s heritage and developed a committee called “The Wall Is….”.

In a supporting letter NWHA said: “We believe the artwork will enhance the wall and play a role in installing a sense of pride in the community for the local residents.”

The design heralds Llandudno as “The Queen of Resorts” and features the Great Orme, the Pier, the beach, tramway and Alice in Wonderland.
It also has an “interpretation panel” with further information about the project.

The seven 8ft x 4ft panels have a special anti-glare finish and are made from a durable material mounted on aluminium, which the applicants claim are “vandal-resistant”.

It has taken around 18 months to develop the project on the estate, which once had a reputation for anti-social behaviour from residents and local youths.

In 2002 Tre Cwm was designated a Communities First area and major regeneration took place to change the environment.
However the boundary wall near the roundabout has continued to be a target for graffiti artists and vandals.
In a planning application to Conwy county council the housing provider said it has worked as part of a group, with the local community, to find a vandal-proof solution to the issue.

In a supporting letter, Cartrefi Conwy said a successful application to art supporter the Paul Hamlyn Foundation helped CALL find the cash to get the project going.

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter