Haverhill Town Council has unveiled a brand-new Mural Wall in Strasbourg Square as the culmination of a summer Street Art project for vulnerable local young people aged 13 – 18 that have been affected by issues surrounding knife crime and violence.
The newly replaced hoarding around The Vixen Pub has been transformed as part of this early intervention and prevention project designed to prevent crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour.
The project, which took place over a series of workshops and drop-in sessions in August and September this year, supported a number of young people aged 13 – 18 who could be at risk of criminality by providing a vital and timely initiative to enhance their skills and work with, and learn from, a professional artist. It allowed participants opportunity to explore their feelings and responses to issues surrounding knife crime and violence, anti-social behaviour and how its consequences can affect individuals, families and the wider community.
Professional artist Joel Millerchip interpreted the key messages taken from the sessions to create a fun, and uplifting design based around the concept of community, communication and conversations. The design features speech bubbles which residents are encouraged to stand in front of.
Sara Marsh from Haverhill Town Council said that the mural was commissioned to bring something positive to Haverhill after a recent knife crime incident.
Artist, Joel Millerchip said: ‘While creating the mural I had a steady stream of residents stop to chat to me. The overwhelming response was that they loved the wall and since completion we’ve had a lot of love on social media too’ The Chalkstone Community Centre street art project was made possible with funds from Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Fund.