Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is pleased to announce the unveiling of a new community mural in Ewell East tunnel by Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey. 

The community project was organised by the Epsom & Ewell Community Safety Partnership’s Joint Action Group following incidences of anti-social behaviour, including robbery, in the alleyway. The council successfully applied for funding from the Office for Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund, and work on the mural began in September. 

The mural was designed and painted by Positive Arts in collaboration with Level 1 and 2 Art & Design students from Nescot. It features key elements from the college’s 70 year history including images from old prospectus covers, the Spirit of the Wind image from the old logo, the frieze from the original entrance, as well as local flora and fauna.

Councillor Shanice Goldman, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee, said: 

“This community mural is a fantastic example of how multiple partners can work together for the betterment of the community. It is also a valuable step forward in combatting anti-social behaviour by rejuvenating an unloved, run down part of the borough and instilling a sense of pride and ownership of the area in the students.” 

“The council has commissioned a number of murals across the borough as part of our Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy over the past year, and these have already had a positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour, such as reducing graffiti tagging. I hope this latest mural will achieve similar results.” 

Sarah Jane Morgan, Art & Design Lecturer at Nescot said:

“The Art & Design team has been proud to collaborate on this vibrant community project. It’s been an incredible learning opportunity for our talented students to work alongside renowned artists from Positive Arts to create and bring to life a professional street art mural.

“They have enjoyed painting the mural which features iconic elements of Nescot and the college’s various curriculum areas. Thanks to Positive Arts for their expert guidance, and to Epsom & Ewell Borough Council for commissioning our students to work on this transformative project.”

Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, said:

“It’s really important to me that residents in Surrey are safe in their communities, and that they feel safe too. The footpath between Nescot and the Ewell East Train Station was highlighted by residents as a location of concern, and I have meetings about this issue with partners including Surrey Police teams, college leaders and officers from British Transport Police.

“The beautiful mural aims to reclaim this public space, which is used by both students and residents. Improvements to lighting, police patrols and additional private security will also bolster community safety and crime prevention in the area.

“There are seven murals within Epsom and Ewell, each of which helps to foster pride in our communities. I’m delighted to have been able to contribute to the borough’s latest artwork.”

Julian Phethean from Positive Arts said:        

“All of the students participated in the mural with passion and pride. They eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn new spray painting techniques and applied these skills effectively while working collaboratively.

“Throughout the project, they demonstrated a high level of creativity, motivation, and focus.”