Colourful new mural brightens up Bell Street in Wigston

Published: Tuesday, 10 September 2024

A new mural has been unveiled in Wigston town centre, transforming a vandalised wall into a work of art.

The colourful animal-themed addition to Bell Street can be found on the side of the RSPCA charity shop building, next to Menphys.

The mural was commissioned by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC) as part of work to improve the public realm in Wigston, making the town centre more appealing to shoppers and visitors alike.

The installation was designed and painted by award-winning Leicester company, Graffwerk, who are considered national leaders in the street art scene.

Both the RSPCA and Menphys were involved in deciding the theme and final look of the piece.

OWBC Councillor Kevin Loydall, said: “This wall is located on a well-used route into Wigston town centre, and we’re pleased to have revitalised it and turned it into something welcoming and vibrant.

“It’s really important we invest into our town centres and make them welcoming and appealing places to visit and spend time.

“It was also important for us to work with the nearby businesses to ensure that they had their input and felt that the piece reflected them and they work they do.

“We’ve had some really positive feedback so far, and hope that residents and visitors will continue to enjoy this new artwork.”

Neil Everall from the RSPCA Leicestershire said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this mural, and the big improvement that it has made to the look of our shop.

“The design really represents us as an organisation, and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in bringing it to life.”

Laura Roberts, Head of Retail at Menphys said: “We are very pleased to have worked with the council, Graffwerk and the RSPCA to create this lovely mural.

“It’s fantastic that we have been able to represent Menphys with the inclusion of a young person in a wheelchair as part of the artwork, alongside the animals for the RSPCA.

“It has truly brightened our coffee shop and delighted our customers, volunteers and staff. We are hopeful this will continue to bring footfall to Bell Street. Please do pop by to take a look if you haven’t already!”

This project was funded by UK Government.

Image: Staff from the RSPCA and Menphys with OWBC councillors in front of the mural