Vibrant street art project to tackle anti-social behaviour in Wallingford

A street art project involving young people in Wallingford is set to transform an anti-social behaviour hot spot on the banks of the River Thames.

During the Easter holidays, local young people will join street artist Andrew (Mani) Manson, aka The Big Orange M and TRAIN Youth Project to create a design under Winterbrook Bridge that highlights the town and local community. 

The scenic Thames Path landmark has been targeted by graffiti for some time and was identified by Wallingford Town Council as an area of concern.  By empowering teenagers to take ownership of the design it will help to foster a greater sense of community pride and encourage them to look after their local area.

The project is being spearheaded by local youth support charity TRAIN alongside South and Vale Community Safety Partnership.

TRAIN will support the young participants to create a vibrant mural and to look after it once completed. TRAIN also offers ongoing support and resources to young people from its new home in Wallingford, ensuring the positive influence will continue once the project is over.

The initiative is also supported by bridge owner Oxfordshire County Council and Wallingford Town Council.

Alex McSweeney, Youth Work Delivery Manager at TRAIN, said: “TRAIN are excited to be expanding our youth provision in Wallingford. This excellent opportunity with the South and Vale Community Safety Partnership comes at a great time, as we all aim to engage young people with this new and exciting project, giving young people the opportunity to make a mark on the local community.”

Andrew “Mani” Manson “The Big Orange M”, said: “Graffiti is a wonderful and easily accessible artform. The original works of the 70s and 80s have laid the groundwork for today’s pieces that can be seen across the county and world.”

Cllr David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Engaging young people in meaningful activities such as street art can be incredibly powerful in helping them to express themselves creatively and build valuable skills and confidence while combating anti-social behaviour and fostering a sense of pride and belonging.  I’m sure people using that stretch of the river will appreciate the project and look forward to seeing the final design.”