Graffiti rules ok!

Graffiti rules ok! - Youngsters from a south Wales town have added a touch of brilliant colour to their local playground shelter ~ but they won't be facing a criminal record.

In fact, the teenagers from Deri, near Bargoed, have been praised for their spray-on art which was actually supported by the Council!

The local Communities First Partnership, Local Authority Leisure Department and Youth Service Hub team consulted young people on the design and location of the shelter - designed by Wicksteed Playscapes and funded  by Communities First Trust Fund.  They also gave them the job of creating their own graffiti to decorate it.

While Wicksteed supplied the shelter - which is now in full use by local teens - the Borough Council's Hub team  supported the youngsters in personalising their shelter.  Groundwork Caerphilly offered their expertise in graffiti art and encouraged the teenagers to create eye-catching and unique designs which were then applied to the shelter.  The art project, which was funded by Safer Caerphilly, has been a great success.

Delighted with the outcome, Nigel Powell, Leisure Development Officer, said: "It was felt that giving the kids the opportunity of designing their own graffiti would enhance ownership of the shelter and in turn reduce, or even prevent, vandalism and anti-social behaviour."

The personalised shelter in Deri