Lillington youth make their mark on public bench
Young people in Lillington are celebrating their success this week after finishing a major community project, which has taken two years to complete!
The public piece of art - a 13-foot community bench has been created young people aged 11 – 19, from Lillington Community Action Forum. All of the young people involved had input into the project, which started as just an idea at a public meeting, nearly two years ago. Since that time, the young people have consulted with local residents, attended neighbourhood watch meetings, held a public meeting in the local library (to provide everyone with a vote) and put in bids (with the support of local group CHAIN) to raise money for the project.
Funding and support for the project has been received from The Arts Council, Warwickshire County Council’s Community Development Fund and Youth Opportunities Fund.
After gaining funding, the young people then went onto consult with Warwickshire artists, Rice Design to see how to approach the project. It was decided that the bench should reflect the closeness of local community and from that came the idea to take pictures of all local residents and put their picture into cartoon format onto the bench.
Youth and Community Worker, Hollie Hutchings said:
“This has been a huge project for the young people of Lillington. They have worked very closely with the community, which has been a great way to bring everyone together. All of the young people involved have shown real commitment and I am very proud of the work they have done.”
Warwickshire County Councillor, Sarah Boad said:
“Lillington Youth Centre provides young people in the area with a great opportunity to get involved in a range of community projects. I am looking forward to seeing the bench as I am sure local residents are too. The young people involved have shown real dedication and I would like to commend them on their success.”
Now completed, the bench will add a well-needed public seating area to the Crown Way shopping centre, Lillington.
The bench itself has been carved from a massive piece of solid Poplar – felled as part of Forest management in the National Forest and will provide seating for both adults and children.