Street art which has transformed a dull underpass has been sprayed with graffiti with the vandalism being condemned
A Byker underpass has been vandalised(Image: Newcastle City Council)
The underpasses in Byker recently had a massive uplift with local artists working with the community to make them brighter for all. However, just days after the official unveiling, vandals have tagged the new artwork.
Across the underpass leading from Potts Street to Shields Road, the bright and vibrant art has been vandalised with spray paint as vandals left tags at the scene. Widespread disappointment and condemnation has followed, with local councillors working to get the underpasses back to its artsy beginning.
Newcastle City Council said the street art was a direct response to local people’s feedback asking for more attractive, public spaces that reflect Byker’s distinctive character.
Graffiti on the art installation on the Shields Road underpass in Byker(Image: Newcastle City Council)
The work, which is part of the council’s Inclusive, Healthy, Vibrant High Streets project, was created by a Newcastle-based artist and local young people to bring colour, creativity and a sense of pride to this key route to the high street. The artwork was designed to make local streets feel safer, friendlier and more welcoming.
Jen Hartley, assistant director of capital investment and growth at Newcastle City Council, said: “We are both disappointed and sad to see what has happened to this amazing art so soon after it was unveiled. It was created with and for the people of Byker to celebrate the area’s creativity and unique character.
“Acts of vandalism like this do not reflect the values of the local community, who have been overwhelmingly positive about the new artwork, and will not stop us from continuing to work to make our neighbourhoods brighter, safer and more welcoming.”
The council has confirmed that the graffiti will be removed as soon as possible and that they will continue to work with the police and the local community to protect these public spaces. The report of criminal damage is being investigated by Northumbria Police, and enquiries are ongoing to locate those responsible.
Graffiti on the art installation on the Shields Road underpass in Byker(Image: Newcastle City Council)
Councillor Nick Hartley, one of the three Green Party representatives for the Byker ward, said: “It’s so important we keep working to brighten up our spaces and take action to make vandalism less likely. This includes supporting youth services and ensuring young people are actively involved in community projects, as well as joined-up work with the police and community safety officers.”
When we reached out, Coun Hartley said that the council would “keep working to brighten up spaces” through community projects and outreach.
Councillor Hedley Sugar-Wells was the first to report the vandalism to the police. She said that work to brighten up spaces was important because the area would “feel loved, which would make it feel safe”.
She added that the response to the murals had been so positive, and that she “doesn’t want it to put off future projects”.
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police by sending a direct message to their social media channels or by using live chat and report forms on the Force’s website. Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101.