Students from Carrington School, Redhill, have been working with local artist, Uncle Stubble, on designs for a community mural in Memorial Park.

The mural has been commissioned by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council as part of the Safer Redhill programme, funded through the government’s Safer Streets fund. It will transform an often-overlooked corner of the park into a colourful attraction, creating a safer and more welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

Recently, fifteen students from years 7 to 9 joined Uncle Stubble at the site for the mural – the disused park pavilion. They were asked to think about all the good things Redhill has to offer and to consider the history of the park and the town when coming up with creative ideas.

Kelly McCarron, Senior Inclusion Lead & English Teacher, Carrington School, says: “Our students have been delighted to be able to be part of something that will serve their community. For them to be able to walk past something regularly and know that they played a part in creating it gives them a real sense of pride and achievement. We are so grateful for the opportunity to be involved.”

Redhill local, Uncle Stubble is well known in the area (and further afield) for his large scale, colourful murals, such as the Earlswood Tiger. He has worked extensively with local schools to inspire young people. He says:

“I used to think that I did my art to blow kids minds, just as mine was blown at a young age. I wanted them to feel that excitement, of seeing art on a huge scale, and get the bug too. But as life moves on, I’ve learnt that we all need it, in a grey world, where the high streets are grey, the skies are grey, we need colour to uplift us in our environments.

“The next step was not only to involve the kids ideas, but hopefully, once they see the possibilities that they can have a voice, to get the kids themselves making the art for their generation.”

Safer Redhill is about local people of all ages taking pride in the town centre. Following a successful bid to the government’s Safer Street funding in 2023, the Council, Surrey Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and  YMCA East Surrey have been bringing together local partners, including schools and colleges to address community safety concerns and the causes of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and wider crime.

Councillor James Baker, Executive Member for Community Partnerships, says: “We want young people to feel part of their community and proud of their local area, particularly their local park. Creating more attractive and joyful spaces encourages people to spend more time there and to look after them.

“I’m excited to see the final mural and the buzz it will create in an area of the park that has felt a bit forgotten, and I want to thank all those involved.”

Other Safer Redhill projects involving young people include a mentoring programme. Ment4, who specialise in youth mentoring, are working in Carrington School and East Surrey College to offer one-to-one support for selected 11 to 18 year-olds over a four-month period.

Youth outreach sessions run by YMCA East Surrey from the new Y bus are also continuing in locations across Redhill town centre, including the Cromwell Estate, where Safer Redhill is also funding works to the recreational area to improve community safety.