Community’s creative response to antisocial graffiti is led by local resident

Antisocial graffiti dominating the underpass in Mawdlam Way, North Cornelly, has been overwritten and quashed by a community reclaiming its power to bring back beauty and tranquillity to the area, with the first step initiated by local resident, Denise Heryet.

Exhausted by the tainted beauty and foreboding feeling of the underpass, Denise decided to use the ash from a fire that had been lit there to create a fairytale style mural, covering the offensive language and illustrations.  Her action created a ripple effect within the community, with more people joining her the next day to beautify the space and stamp out the visual slurs with appealing imagery.

Denise said: “I was sick of looking at what was becoming a vile area.  It can be so pretty there, especially when the dragonflies and butterflies are out.  It has really helped me to feel grounded and calm.  The local residents were missing out on that beauty and nature because they were apprehensive to go down there - only us hardened dog walkers would visit!    

“I wanted the locals to feel a sense of happiness whilst out walking in the area, not to feel horrified by the intimidating graffiti.  I wanted people to love walking by the stream, to enjoy the flora and fauna – it’s slightly magical there, so relaxing and calming.  

“I think our collective action has opened people’s eyes to the fact that us residents have the power to look after our area, it’s not just the responsibility of external agencies.  We can take action and have pride in our area, creating friendships and strengthening our community at the same time!”  

Max, age eleven, who participated in transforming the underpass, said:  "I feel proud to be part of making the area a better place. Thanks to the pictures drawn over the graffiti, the area will be a nicer, brighter place to live."

Summer, also eleven years old, added: “It was really nice to get together with other people, being creative and making something together. It was a bit messy, but so much fun. It was great to walk away having spent the day making something look better than it was before. I hope the community likes it too.”

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Green Space Enhancement team intend to support Denise in her attempts to erase the offensive graffiti by offering to create images that will be permanently featured in the space.  Liaising with professional graffiti artists from ‘Another Day, Another Spray’ and ‘Thew Creative’, the council’s plan is to use the rich biodiversity of the surrounding area as inspiration for the lasting artwork.

Cllr Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “What an absolutely inspirational act of empowerment!  I would like to thank Denise for taking the initial step in addressing the antisocial visuals at the underpass in such a gentle but powerful way; for reacting to such negativity and ugliness with positivity and grace.

“We are more than happy to support Denise in enhancing feelings of safety in the area by offering more permanent, appealing images to be displayed at the underpass through the work of ‘Another Day, Another Spray’ and ‘Thew Creative’.

“Denise’s brave, creative, yet subtle, act of defiance has allowed others to come together to do the same.  This peaceful, collective stand against unacceptable behaviour shows what can happen when communities unite – I hope this inspires us all to do the same.”