Loyalist emblems and murals in Newtownards, Co Down have been transformed into two historic murals dipicting the town's rich hertigage.

Two emblems painted on walls in the Glen estate, together with murals containing a warning to those engaged in anti-social behaviour and another picturing gunmen, have been removed as part of the project.

They have been painted over with a pictorial history of the town spanning eight centuries.

Another mural was inspired by First World War associations with Helen's Tower, built on the ground of the Clandeboye Estate.

Works were completed under the 'Re-imaging Communities Programme, an initiative of the shared communities consortium led by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland.

The project was co-ordinated by the Glen Ward Community Development Association with assistance from Ards Borough Council's Good Relations programme.

-- Advertisement --

Mayor of Ards, Councillor Jim Fletcher, officially launched the new murals.

He said: "This is a milestone in the work in the Glen to remove images associated with a troubled past which people here, across the Ards and across Northern Ireland are now aiming to put behind them,

"The new mural is also a demonstration of community cohesiveness, not only in the initial agreement to replace the previous images, but also in the process used to decide what should adorn the wall in their stead and who should help craft them."

Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, and Chair of the Shared Communities Consortium, said: "Re-imaging is not always an easy process given the particular issues facing some communities.

"This project enabled the whole community to become involved and enjoy the arts, meeting each other socially, taking part in the consultation contributing to the themes chosen. The involvement of professional artists helps to promote the significance of art, putting it at the heart of the community.

"I am pleased that murals and their development have provided an opportunity for the Re-Imaging Communities Programme to support the vision of local people, as they take steps to provide a more welcoming environment and give all the participants something to feel proud of," she added.

The main mural was produced by Mural Tec NI, artist Betty Brown, and groups of local children from Bees Nees Early Years Centre, Glen Youth Club, Killard House School and Londonderry Primary School.

(PR)