This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Community artists gather for official launch of colourful Lower Cherwell Street makeover
16/03/2024
This was the culmination of a project which began last October
Colourful artwork has replaced graffiti covered boards at the former garage site on Lower Cherwell Street in Banbury, between the Morrison’s petrol station and Bridge Street traffic lights.
The area is seen by many commuters who utilise the inner relief road heading between the Oxford Road and Hennef Way.
On Saturday morning some of those involved in creating the colourful transformation gathered together to see the completed project and spot their own contributions.
Work began on the project under the guidance of artist Elyse Blackshaw at workshops last October.
Four members of the Shaw family responded to a call for people from the community to get involved. Louise Shaw said: “We did two different types of workshops, one where we had to think of a scene of Banbury and then another one where we thought of people. [Elyse] had collage ideas and loads of inspiration. It was a really creative afternoon.
“My daughters created a swimming pool and one of the barge boats. We’ve got a family portrait further down.
“I’ve seen a lot of response to it online and it’s just bringing a lot of joy. It’s nice to be part of something that we know that 200 other people have done as well.”
The whole project was organised by the Banbury BID team. Ken Gillett is the BID Chair and he acknowledged the importance of improving the appearance of this part of Lower Cherwell Street.
Mr Gillett said: “Lots of people sit at these traffic lights waiting for them to change. Now they’ve got something really visual they can look at and understand a little bit about the good things that the BID do for the town.
“We hope to do more of this. There’s lots of little pockets in town where I think we can do different types of artwork.
“We are about to clean up Butchers Row. We’re having some cleaners in and we’re going to repaint and probably put some flower baskets up. There are some good things to come!”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam