Council mural brightens up Cockermouth courtyard

It was put in place this week, at the library on Main Street. The mural was paid for using some of the £10,000 Government funding allocated to the town to help it bounce back following the pandemic.

Town councillors had discussed how best to create it and decided that, rather than trying to paint it on the stone wall, the artwork would work better on boards.

They were delighted with the end result.

The picture includes 10 hidden bookworms for children to spot.

Cllr Simon Nicholson said: "We want to attract more children to the library, it also brightens up the courtyard."

"It was going to be costly and difficult to put on the wall, so we came up with idea of boards," said Cllr Richard Watson.

"The county council paid for tables and benches a few years ago. This adds to the area."

Deputy mayor Andy Semple said: "It was a real team effort and is so welcoming."

COLOURFUL: MURAL: Town councillors Richard Watson, Andy Semple, Simon Nicholson, Julie Laidlow and Alan Kennon beside the new mural

Councillors had already agreed to spend just under £6,000 on new planters in Main Street and £480 cleaning the Mayo statue.

They also chose to fund the Chamber of Trade's new Love Our Local Video Advert at a cost of £1,500. The Chamber of Trade hopes the campaign will boost footfall and encourage people back into town.