A striking mural has been painted on the town centre’s former BT telephone exchange, which has long been considered an eyesore. The mural is part of Westbury Town Council’s long-standing plan to brighten up the town.
A local artist was commissioned to paint the building using the artwork from the cover of the ‘Westbury Town Centre Vision’ document which highlights key aspects and buildings within the town.
“The town council’s plans to spruce up Edward Street with a mural on the old telephone exchange, funded by the town council, are now coming to fruition,” said cllr Mark Bailey, chair of the council’s Vision for Westbury committee. “This is part of a series of projects to brighten up the town centre and High Street areas, and we hope people will start to notice a difference in the coming months.
“BT have long neglected the telephone exchange and it has been an eyesore for as long as I can remember. Cllr Kate Knight managed to get initial permission for the works last year and the vision committee has been working since then with our engagement officer, Ben Griffiths, to make it happen.”
Ben Griffiths said, “Westbury Town Council has long considered the BT Exchange on Edward Street an eyesore; rundown, tired and depressing. Finally, after several years of trying, members of the Vision for Westbury sub-committee had a meeting with BT, learnt that they need the building, but were absolutely up for a ‘decorative uplift’ by the town council to brighten the area. They agreed to fix any structural issues and then it was over to Vision.
“Utilising the Wiltshire Towns Programme Grant, created to rejuvenate town centres in the county, we were able to commission a mural artist who has completed the work in time for our next Sunday brunch.
“This project demonstrates Westbury Town Council’s commitment to making Westbury a brighter place to be. And there’s more to come in 2024 – high street banners to improve the street scene; information boards to highlight the rich history around the town; and the launch of the Explore Wiltshire app that will include Westbury and offer trails, hunts and showcase our events. Watch this space!”
• To find out more about the Vision for Westbury, residents can pick up a mini guide from the library that summarises Westbury Town Council’s plans for the future.
