The local community in Copmanthorpe, North Yorkshire, and Network Rail have worked together to install a new mural on the railway bridge in the village to help tackle graffiti.

The bridge on Temple Lane road runs over the East Coast Main Line and Network Rail have cleaned graffiti off the bridge a number of times.

Network Rail spends over £3.5m every year cleaning up graffiti.

In November, Network Rail was approached by a young person in the community with ideas to brighten up the area.

East Riding Voluntary Action Services was commissioned by Network Rail along with artist Emma Garness to design a piece for the bridge.

Emma and the young person designed the mural which has brightened up the area.

If you see someone graffitiing on the railway, please report it to the British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016. You can also call Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Credit: Network Rail

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “We’re determined to tackle graffiti on and around the railway and this fantastic work really brightens the bridge up for people in Copmanthorpe.”

“Our teams spend valuable time cleaning and covering graffiti – but unfortunately, this creates a blank canvas for the crime. We often have to return to the same site when it’s targeted again, so I hope this piece will make others think twice before graffitiing on the bridge.”

Devan Witter BEM, Engagement and Development Officer for East Riding Voluntary Action Services, said: “We were commissioned by Network Rail to support them with a solution to the ongoing problem at the Temple Lane Bridge. We have previously worked with Network Rail on other projects within the Bridlington and Goole areas, and so we were more than happy to accept the challenge of working in a new area, to tackle the same issue.”

“As Network Rail were approached by a local young person, we were keen to ensure that their views were included within the designs, so we took the decision to appoint Emma Garness as the artist to carry out this work. I have seen so many positive comments about Emma’s work, and I am very pleased with the final result and hope that this work remains protected for as long as is possible.”

Emma Garness, artist, said: “I was thrilled when asked to design and deliver this mural for Network Rail and the wonderful village of Copmanthorpe. I was shown a great deal of support and encouragement from the people in the village, a sure sign of a healthy community.”

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