Views sought over mural for 'big, bland space'

Views are being sought over what should fill a 'big, bland space' on the side of a building in a town in Leicestershire.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council and its business promotion group have secured funding for a mural on the side of a property in Market Street, which houses a Costa Coffee.

As the site overlooks the town centre and is also next to a war memorial garden, a consultation has been launched to gauge public views on an appropriate design.

Once the theme has been decided, artists will be asked to submit designs and it is hoped work will start in time for the Ashby Arts Festival at the end of May.

An online questionnaire has been published that asks residents whether they would prefer a 4.5m (14.7ft), 11m (36ft) or 32m (105ft) mural and suggests potential themes, such as poppies, service personnel, and wildlife.

Martin O'Connor, chair of the arts festival, which is leading the project, said: "The festival has been featuring large boards around the town for many years now.

"On the side of this building is a big, rather bland space, which has the potential to make a big impact on the town.

"We've had a few ideas linked to the war memorial and the fact Ashby is at the centre of the National Forest, but we want to open it to the public as it's part of their town.

"We are proud of our culture and it would be great to have another focal point in the town."

The consultation ends on 26 January.

Earlier this week, the town council confirmed it was considering making a bid to be named the UK's first-ever Town of Culture.

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