Haven

What was once a tired and graffiti-marked bus shelter at Greenmeadow Shops has been transformed into a colourful celebration of Haydon Wick, inspired by the imagination of local children and brought to life through a true community effort.

The story began earlier this year when Haydon Wick Parish Council visited Greenmeadow Primary School to launch its “What Does Haydon Wick Mean to You?” competition. During a school assembly, pupils were invited to think about the places, wildlife and community spirit that make Haydon Wick special and to share their ideas through drawings and illustrations.

The competition was also promoted to other local schools, with pupils encouraged to take part using information provided by the Parish Council. In total, 95 entries were received from Greenmeadow Primary School, Orchid Vale Primary School and Abbey Park School.

The response was fantastic.

Children’s ideas featured everything from local wildlife and play parks to Mouldon Hill Country Park, Seven Fields Nature Reserve and the much-loved Wild Service Tree. Their creativity provided a fascinating insight into Haydon Wick through young people’s eyes and highlighted the places and spaces that mean the most to them.

The project forms part of Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Bus Shelter Regeneration Programme, which aims to transform vandalised shelters into welcoming community assets. More than simply improving a bus stop, the project was designed to celebrate local heritage, strengthen community connections, engage young people and bring colour and vibrancy to an area that had become run down over time.

Following recent community initiatives, including local litter-picking activities and environmental improvements, the mural is another positive step towards enhancing the local area and creating spaces that residents can feel proud of.

Given the shelter’s prominent location at Greenmeadow Shops, the creative ideas submitted by Greenmeadow Primary School pupils became the inspiration for the final design.

Before the artwork could begin, Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team worked hard to prepare the shelter, cleaning and readying the site for its transformation. Their support helped create the perfect canvas for the mural, and the painting team would like to thank them for their valuable contribution.

Over two days, the Parish Council’s Office and Community Administrator and Marketing and Events Co-ordinator carefully brought the children’s ideas to life, combining many of their themes into a vibrant mural that reflects the unique character of Haydon Wick.

As the artwork began to take shape, it quickly became a talking point within the community. Residents regularly stopped to learn more about the project, share memories, and offer words of encouragement. Passing drivers waiting at the nearby give-way junction often greeted the team with smiles, waves and enthusiastic thumbs-up.

The support was especially appreciated as the team worked to complete the mural before the weekend.

During the final stages of the project, Cllr Leigh Jackson, Chair of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee, and Cllr Sudha Nukana, Chair of the Community Development Committee, joined the team for the final push. Armed with paint brushes, they helped add floral details to the mural while providing much-needed encouragement during the last few hours of work.

Cllr Leigh Jackson said:

“It was a pleasure to support the team during the final stages of the mural and see the children’s ideas come to life. The artwork beautifully captures so many of the things that make Haydon Wick special, from our green spaces and wildlife to the places where families come together and enjoy the outdoors. Projects like this help create a sense of pride in our public spaces and encourage people to value and look after them. I hope everyone who uses the shelter enjoys the creativity and enthusiasm that has gone into its design.”

Cllr Sudha Nukana said:

“This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together. From the children who shared their ideas, to the staff who painted the mural and the residents who cheered the team on, everyone has played a part. We have transformed an overlooked space into something welcoming, vibrant and full of character. It is a fantastic example of community connection in action.”

Today, the completed mural stands as a colourful welcome bus stop in Haydon Wick. It honours the area’s wildlife, green spaces and local identity while showcasing the creativity of local young people and the value of partnership working between schools, councillors, staff and residents.

Most importantly, it demonstrates what can be achieved when a community works together to create something positive, transforming an everyday bus shelter into a landmark that reflects the pride people have in the place they call home.