Westover ward councillors recently responded to residents requests to change the mural on the Wessex Water pumping station building on the junction of Old Taunton Road and Broadway with something that would reflect the heritage and promote the culture of the town. Councillors Smedley, Pearce and Morley put in a bid for funding through the town council and approached local artist Rachel Gundry to take on the project and now, with ideas and help from residents, the project is underway.

Rachel said “I am getting a great response from everyone who passes and some are offering to help. I could do with a few more artists to lend me a hand and I’ll be there next for a  full week from 17th to 22nd September.  The project has relied on extensive research, design, re-drawing and involvement from local people because I want to get it right and with more local people  seeing the painting as it is taking shape means their comments have been so supportive and positive. “

Ward Councillors support

Ward Councillor Brian Smedley visited the site to see how the work was getting on and was impressed. “I’m impressed” said Brian (clearly impressed). “What is important about this location is it can be seen not just by the residents who have to live with the results -so that’s why it’s important that they are part of its creation -but by the traffic on the Broadway, which makes it a perfect spot for promoting the town. The mural that Rachel has come up with is including not just scenes from around the town and the natural environment but also composite scenes from Bridgwater’s proud history. I think it’s a great project”