Gateway mural unveiled around former Selby factory

Designed by Britt Swain of Yorkshire Murals, the mural was painted over the summer holidays by children from the local area.

The mural includes Selby Abbey and other local landmarks as well as showing scenes of local industrial and rural life. It is on display now at the site of BOCM’s old boiler house where a controlled explosion is due to bring the remaining chimney crashing down in the early hours of Sunday morning.

It was organised by Selby District Council’s Eastern Area Community Engagement Forum, with materials and manpower donated by Homebase, MKM building supplies and BOCM.

Coun Steve Shaw-Wright said, “It’s something we have encouraged as we’ve encouraged other developers to tidy up sites by putting white boards up and we’re really pleased after it was suggested that it has happened.

“We don’t want the sites to be a haven for rubbish dumping. This is a real improvement and getting the local community involved with it is a good thing, it’s really pleasing to see that taking place.”

Insp Richard Abbott, of Selby Safer Neighbourhood Command, said, “It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm of all of the kids who came along. I hope that they are really proud of themselves and that when they pass the mural it reminds them of the difference they have made.”