Bollards given makeover as part of Leigh Neighbours arts project inspired by Leigh's history

Traffic measures in Leigh have been transformed into artistic installations in a project inspired by old black and white photographs from the town’s archives.

Year six pupils from Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School worked worked with community group Leigh Neighbours to create the designs.

The work is inspired by history including landscapes of old buildings such as Parsonage Colliery and scenes featuring pit brow lasses, who worked at mining sites.

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School pupils Alexia, Evie, Jakub and Josh

Martyn Lucas is an artist commissioned by Leigh Neighbours to deliver the workshop.

He said: “The idea behind the bollard art project came from one of our craft club sessions where the children were asked to consider ways of improving neglected areas.

"They created a range of fantastic designs which we then reproduced on vinyl wraps and attached to the bollards.

“We’re used to seeing commercial advertising in all kinds of places, including around bollards, but it’s unusual for these rather unattractive features to become a concrete canvas for the purposes of displaying community art.

“It’s a good example of community intervention that involves local people and makes a visual statement on the local landscape.

"We hope our neighbourhood bollards convey a positive message about the area, inspire pride in our heritage and evoke delight in seeing art work by local children.”

Several more designs are set to be introduced in the next few months exploring themes around the natural environment, pollution and climate change.

The Holiday Craft Club is a scheme piloted by Leigh Neighbours in partnership with Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School on Windermere Road in the last few months.

Martyn’s popular art workshops are only part of the story.

The Holiday Club also offers children an opportunity to engage in crafts, healthy eating, sports, team building and other activities.

Sacred Heart Catholic School pupils and one of the decorated bollards

Chairman of Leigh Neighbours Susan Gredecki said: “We’re looking for volunteers to get involved in our various projects, particularly in our activities and events with children and young people.

"The more volunteers we can recruit, the more sessions we can lay on, and the more children and young people we can engage with.

"If anybody in the area has an interest in volunteering with young people, we’d love to hear from you.”

Residents who are interested can email volunteer@lnpb.org.uk for more information.