Council Faces Backlash Over £50,000 Mural Project

A Labour-run council is facing criticism from residents after a mural project in an underpass cost nearly £50,000, significantly exceeding its original budget and forcing schoolchildren to walk in the road.

The artwork, intended to depict Tuxford's history and heritage in an A1 underpass in Nottinghamshire, was initially budgeted at £25,000. However, the final cost climbed to £47,731, an overspend of £22,000.

The increased expenditure was attributed to the need for temporary traffic lights and other traffic management measures after the artist's materials and ladders blocked the pavement, compelling schoolchildren to use the adjacent road. The council acknowledged that the traffic lights "significantly contributed to the additional costs."

Residents expressed anger over the overspend, suggesting the funds could have been better allocated to community projects. Retired trucker Peter Chojnacki, a lifelong resident, described the mural as "confusing" and "something a child would do at school," adding that it is difficult to see in the dark underpass and questions its historical accuracy.

"It's not just a small waste of money, it's a massive waste of money," Chojnacki stated. "I think almost £50,000 would have been so much better spent on a village hall or community space everyone could use."

Another resident commented on the underpass being an unusual location for a mural, noting it could be mistaken for graffiti and is not a place where people would linger to admire artwork.

Councillor Steve Scotthorne, cabinet member for planning, identity and place, defended the project, calling it "something nice to see on a dull underpass" that aims to give Tuxford a "positive outlook and getting visitors in." He mentioned that concerns about the safety of artists and the public were raised by Via East Midlands, a road maintenance service provider, after work had commenced.

Via East Midlands confirmed they initially granted a license for the mural but conducted an inspection after public complaints about children walking in the road. A spokesperson stated, "the safety of pedestrians and road users was our priority," and acknowledged that the necessary additional measures increased the project's cost.

The mural itself depicts Tuxford's history, including its past as a coaching hub, its brewing industry, and a significant fire in 1702. The project was funded through a £1 million Town Streetscaping Funding allocation granted in 2024. To date, £335,000 from this grant has been used for various improvements, including shop frontages, CCTV, park equipment, defibrillators, speed reduction signs, and market stalls.

The artwork was completed in August, with an artist collaborating with a local school, charity, and community group.