Youth graffiti project sparks creativity and community pride
A vibrant new chapter in community safety and youth engagement was written at a recent youth-led graffiti project at Coronation Park in Balderton.
As part of the Safer Streets programme’s youth diversion initiatives, a group of local young people gathered on 8 March 2025 to transform a store shed into a colourful canvas of creative expression using a variety of coloured spray paint.
The project, executed in partnership with Image Skool, a creative studio specialising in Graffiti art and mural work, provided a constructive alternative to vandalism, giving youngsters a chance to channel their energy and ideas in a positive way.
The event saw a remarkable turnout, with young residents from across Balderton coming together to share their artistic talents.
Their work not only breathed new life into a community asset but also showcased the potential for creativity to inspire change and instil pride in their local environment.
It comes after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire secured £1million for the Safer Streets 5 project via the Home Office.
This initiative is in addition to other Safer Streets interventions in Balderton, which have included the installation of a new youth pod, upgraded CCTV, and environmental improvements all designed to make the area safer and more appealing.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden, who attended the event, said: “This youth graffiti project is an excellent example of how youth-led initiatives under the Safer Streets programme can transform communities.
“By giving young people the opportunity to express themselves creatively and contribute positively to their environment, we are not only reducing the likelihood of vandalism but also fostering a sense of ownership and pride in our neighbourhoods.
“It is initiatives like these that underpin our commitment to making Nottinghamshire a safer and more vibrant place for all.”
The graffiti project is a clear demonstration of how targeted diversion activities can provide a safe outlet for youth.
Rather than engaging in destructive behaviour, participants used their creativity to contribute positively to their neighbourhood—a move that has been warmly received by parents and passersby alike.
The project also reinforces the commitment of local authorities to work with young people in addressing antisocial behaviour and building stronger, safer communities.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I am thrilled to see the positive impact the Safer Streets funding has had for the residents of Balderton, and the improvements they have had on their feeling of safety. Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their home.
“It is incredibly rewarding to know that our hard work is having an impact. Projects delivered as a result of Safer Streets include the installation of new 4G CCTV cameras and improved lighting in key areas and the addition of benches and bins to reduce litter and create a more welcoming environment.
“I am delighted that our antisocial behaviour has reduced by 60% in Balderton and we will not stop here in our bid to reduce this further across the whole district with many more exciting developments and opportunities in the pipeline.
“We are committed to continue working with our partners Balderton Parish Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire Police and our communities to ensure the area remains safe for residents in Balderton.”
Councillor Jane Buxton of Balderton Parish Council, said: “This project has been made possible through the Safer Streets funding, which is aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour, neighbourhood crime, and violence against women and girls across the county.
“It really is so important for young people to get involved with their local community and they have done such a brilliant job on the artwork.
“Making our open spaces more welcoming, can help encourage families to be more active outdoors, whilst supporting their health and fitness.
“Many thanks to the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner and Newark and Sherwood District Council, for all their support and putting their faith in Balderton Parish Council, to deliver this project. We are thrilled with the results it is yielding in our community with a noticeable reduction in anti-social behaviour.”
James Mayle from Image Skool said: “Image Skool has been working with children and young people for over 20 years and it's always a pleasure to create something with them that benefits not only the young people involved but the wider community.
“The day we spent painting was such a positive experience for everyone, with the local young people getting to express themselves creatively, and also see and hear from the passing members of the public reacting so well to the artwork building their confidence and pride in their local area.
“For these young people the artwork will be a legacy that will last until they are much older, something they show off and be proud of for a long time to come."
The Safer Streets programme continues to deliver tangible improvements across Nottinghamshire by funding a variety of interventions that address crime and antisocial behaviour at a local level.
In Balderton, these efforts have helped create a more secure and inviting environment, while also empowering young people to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities.
The previous round of Safer Streets funding saw interventions such as vehicle crime prevention days, new intercom systems at blocks of flats, an innovative Safer Gyms scheme and more.
This led to reports that in Newark town centre where the action was taken, there was a 26% reduction in vehicle crime, a 19% drop in house burglary and a 16% fall in violence against women and girls.
As the Safer Streets 5 project ends, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has made a commitment to continued collaboration between the Commissioner Godden’s office, Newark and Sherwood District Council and parish councils across the district in ensuring a safer Nottinghamshire for all.
To report antisocial behaviour in your neighbourhood, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or visit the web page linked below to report.
Report antisocial behaviour | Nottinghamshire Police
In an emergency, you should always call 999.