Mayor to unveil students’ murals at Widnes care home

ARTISTIC teens have brightened the lives of elderly care home residents in Widnes by creating murals of the town’s landmarks.

The art and design students from Cronton Sixth Form College created a series of colourful designs to be displayed in the Halton View Care Home garden.

They will be officially unveiled by Halton’s Mayor Councillor Alan Lowe at the care home on Sadler Street in Widnes Cheshire.

The murals focus on the town’s industrial past as well as green spaces such as parks and wildlife.

Consultations were held with residents and their relatives to finalise the designs, which were then painted onto plywood boards.

The Runcorn-Widnes Transporter Bridge, Victoria Park and St Paul’s Church are just some of the landmarks incorporated.

The four panels have been mounted on a wall in the care home’s garden as a permanent feature for the residents to enjoy and discuss.

Amanda Kelly, home manager of Halton View Care Home, said: “Many of the residents have worked in the town’s industries and remember the landmarks that have been painted in the murals.

“They are absolutely stunning – bright and colourful. They are sure to spark off a lot of conversation among our residents, who recognise many of the scenes.

“Our thanks go to the students of Cronton Sixth Form College for creating these art works and brightening up the care home’s garden wall.”

The students, all studying for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design, worked in small groups to research local history, landmarks and other images for the murals.

One of those was Ellie Scott, who said: “For my design, I was inspired by floral patterns and bold outlines. I incorporated the flowers to make my work look colourful and interesting for the residents.”

Student Shannon Swain said: “I chose the images for my mural from industry subjects because Widnes is an industrial town. I also looked at nature, as Widnes is also surrounded by peaceful, natural areas.”

Student Rebecca Mcguire said: “I was inspired by the people in the care home and how happy our mural would make them feel.”

The event to unveil the murals will also include the care home’s Christmas light switch on.

Trees and lights have been donated to the home by local businesses Dependable Concrete and Rivendale Nutcotts Garden Centre.

Anyone is welcome to attend the events, at 2pm on Wednesday, 6^th December, which will include refreshments.