Melksham’s legal art wall to serve as model for other towns

The creation of Melksham’s legal art wall has led to a reduction in illegal graffiti and littering around the site.

Initiated in September 2024 by the Melksham Area Board, the project has given local artists the opportunity to showcase their talent without vandalising property.

The art wall has been in place at the A350 Bath Road underpass since September and features designs such as a frog, monkey and cartoon characters.

Melksham Art Group, a local community group, is responsible for supervising the use of the space and ensuring artists stick to a code of conduct – such as not using offensive tags or words.

Wiltshire Council officers have monitored the area surrounding the legal art wall and say there has been a significant reduction in illegal graffiti and littering over the past six months.

As a result of the success of the legal art wall, the project will continue and be used as a model for other towns in Wiltshire.

Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, said, “We’re delighted that the legal art wall has been such a success in Melksham. We’ve seen both a general improvement to the area and a reduction in illegal graffiti, and we’ve also given local artists the opportunity to showcase their talents.

“Thanks to this success, we are now looking to roll out the programme to other towns in Wiltshire to both reduce illegal graffiti and provide local artists with a legitimate platform to showcase their talents.

“I’d urge any community or art groups around the county to get in touch and, where we can, we’ll work with them to find a suitable site in their area.”

Any community groups or artists who would like to have a legal art wall in their community should contact richard.rogers@wiltshire.gov.uk to find out more.