A GATEWAY into Hexham town centre could soon host a giant mural depicting life in the town.

Hexham’s deputy mayor Steve Ball is willing to seek funding for the ambitious scheme which would transform a “dirty, tatty side wall” of the town’s community centre, on Gilesgate.

Coun. Ball, who is also chairman of Hexham Community Centre’s chairman of trustees, as well as a member of Hexham Town Council, said he wanted to gauge support for the scheme.

He’s also keen find out what people want to be included on the mural, a project which could involve an artist in residence working alongside community groups.

Coun. Ball said the artwork, which could be up to 20-metres square in size, would also incorporate a ‘Welcome to Hexham’ sign.

He explained: “We hope to portray the positive aspects of the town particularly its schools, hospital, parks as well as some of its historic landmarks. We have aspirations for an artist in residence working with community groups like Hexham Youth Initiative.

“At the moment there is a dirty, tatty side wall of a very large building leading to Hexham town centre.

“This would be cleaned and tidied up, thereby providing an excellent backdrop for a vibrant piece of living art.

“With the scheme being so innovative, we could be celebrating a dynamic community led young persons’ artistic perspective of Hexham. I hope to gauge support and approach potential funders as soon as we can.”

The scheme has attracted tentative support from Coun. Trevor Cessford, who represents Hexham Central with Acomb on Northumberland County Council.

Coun. Cessford, who is also a member of Hexham Town Council, said: “If this scheme is considered to be in good taste, it promises to be very exciting.”

The community centre hopes the mural would complement ongoing and forthcoming work to enhance the popular community facility.

Last month, the centre announced plans to transform wasteland outside the building into a tranquil garden area, for the benefit of user groups.

The centre is also progressing other capital projects, including new floors, a kitchen, toilet facilities, a replacement fire door, and a newly-refurbished Stan Batey Hall.