As part of a project by the Tarner Area Partnership and funded by Neighbourhood Renewal, a 7ft by 24ft Mural was painted on to a wall next to Millwood Community Centre.

The design of the mural was based on the ideas and drawings of young people and it reflected what they wanted to see in the area.

Cllr Gill Mitchell said, "The mural has transformed the area by giving it a vibrant splash of colour and the community has been involved with the project. It has helped create a positive atmosphere that will hopefully deter graffiti 'taggers' and vandals."

Around 20 young people and three adult volunteers joined in the project that has taken 12 weeks to complete. Martin Middleton from Artscape lead the project. He said, "When a mural is painted on a wall other graffiti artists respect it. Not only that, they're so bright and colourful that it's hard to paint over. Also, 'tags' don't get noticed on the wall next to it.

"Also the mural gives a chance for the young people to express their artwork. All of our murals are sealed with yacht varnish so graffiti just runs off the top."

The Business Forum is working with Artscape and traders in the North Laine to apply for permission to put murals on some of the walls that are particular hot spots for graffiti vandals. The murals will be environmentally friendly and will transform walls that are currently covered in unsightly tags. The Business Forum will will be able to make an assessment about the value of such projects by monitoring the effect they have on the neighbouring walls and seeking the opinion of visitors and resident.