Two striking new murals in Bridgend and Maesteg have been created as part of an environmental project which is encouraging residents to take a deeper interest in looking after their community.
Funded by local social housing provider Valleys to Coast and Natural Resources Wales, the ‘Reconnect With The Rivers’ initiative is educating children and residents about their local environment and how they can help to keep it clean, tidy and safe for wildlife and people alike.
Created by graffiti artist Bryce Davies from Peaceful Progress with help from pupils at Litchard Primary and Garth Primary, the murals have been installed at the Wildmill underpass near Bridgend town centre and along the length of a prominent wall at the Oakwood estate in Maesteg.
Both portray scenes of nature and are designed to help inspire residents with a fresh sense of their surroundings as they work alongside Valleys to Coast and Bridgend County Borough Council to boost recycling, manage waste and help improve the overall quality of local life.
With new anti-litter signage being erected to raise awareness around both estates, the initiative has also involved activities for local children such as mini-beast hunts led by Keep Wales Tidy. A series of volunteer litter-picks and clean-ups are also set to take place.
Cllr Richard Young, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“These stunning murals are just one part of the Reconnect with the Rivers project, and I am delighted to see how the community has come together to get behind the initiative and offer its support.
“Thanks are due to Valleys to Coast, Natural Resources Wales, Keep Wales Tidy, Peaceful Progress, pupils and teachers at Litchard and Garth primary schools, and to all of the residents and volunteers who have helped make this such a big success.”
Rachel Morton, Community Regeneration Officer for Valleys to Coast, said:
“A priority for us is to help regenerate areas in the county borough, and to bring vibrancy, desirability and economic activity to make them more beautiful and viable. These murals will help towards creating thriving communities.”
Photograph: The colourful mural installed at the Wildmill underpass in Bridgend