Feedback from a Southampton Councillor in November 2006

A mural was created in a Southampton subway by an art group working with local youths - the mural depicts two youths who were killed whilst on a stolen motorcycle. The mural has since become a mecca for troublesome youths who are involved in anti-social behaviour on a large scale. The local children are now too scared to use the subway. The local community are now fighting to have the mural removed or replaced. Southampon Council have created several amazing murals but they were not involved in the creation of this mural.

The creators of this mural have broken one of the golden rules - "Involve the whole community in the project".

It is sad that an opportunity to brighten up the area, bring the whole community together and to help combat graffiti has been lost. We hope that the residents, together with their local councillors, are successful in their fight and hope that they are able to turn the situation around.