Prominent Welshpool mural set to be replaced

Calls have been made to save a mural, and not have it replaced as part of a wider project to update a popular area next to the canal.

Pont Howell garden, or Owain Glyndwr Park as it is also known, is owned by Powys County Council but the town council has been liaising with the regional authority on a project to breathe new life into the area just off Severn Street.

Over the weekend it was revealed that the mural of the canal boat painted on the bridge wall by Stephanie Duggan to mark the centenary of Rotary International in 2005 (pictured), is to be painted over with a new design.

Residents have since responded to “update it” or “give it a new lick of paint to save it” but Town Mayor, Cllr Alison Davies, said that conversations had been held with the artist’s family and plans would move ahead to revamp the area with a new mural, despite the artist herself reportedly being “a little sad” but “not overly concerned”.

“Pont Howell garden is owned by PCC but through liaising with them and with the great help of Arts Connection and several volunteers, we are updating the space,” Cllr Davies explained.

“A new mural is being planned which will help to support what we hope will be of use for the garden for reflection.”

An initiative with Arts Connection is enabling residents to create their own ideas for the area which Cllr Davies said was “another opportunity for families to join in, in creating a lovely space for wildlife and people to enjoy and relax”.

“We are hoping to be able to install some new, colourful benches and perhaps additional 3D artwork that is created by local people,” she said.