Customer feedback leads to new mural at Stockwell Gardens

Customers had shared ongoing concerns about graffiti on the side wall of Yates Court, even after it had been cleared several times. They told us they were frustrated by the ongoing issue and wanted a long‑term solution that would improve the look and feel of the estate.

Neighbourhood Officer Jennifer worked closely with customers to explore different options, and together they agreed that a mural could help deter further graffiti while creating something positive for the community.

Jennifer secured funding for the project through Match My Project, which helps bring additional investment and social value into local Hyde communities. Funding came from our contractor Alphatrack, and local artist Simon Hills was commissioned to design and paint the mural.

Simon drew inspiration from the estate’s surroundings, featuring the Stockwell Clock Tower at the centre of the piece, set within a nature‑themed scene reflecting the area’s history.

Simon said: "The idea was to paint a scene that is supposed to be Stockwell junction but I stripped everything else away. I took away all the buildings, all the traffic, all the cars, and replaced it with a landscape that probably would have existed here before we were all here."

The mural has already made a noticeable impact. Customers have commented on how much brighter the area feels, and the wall is no longer being targeted with graffiti.

Resident of Yates Court, Sajidabanu Abdul Karim, said:

“The mural is beautiful. It’s made the whole estate feel better. The artist has done a brilliant job. It really lifts your mood – I step out of my door, turn right, and it just brightens my day. As tenants, we all want a clean, safe, welcoming environment, and this has made such a difference.”

Jennifer is continuing to work with customers on further improvements for the estate shaped by their feedback. New gates have recently been installed to help enhance security on the estate, and she is exploring the possibility of creating a bike store in a disused football cage. Other ideas are being considered as part of ongoing conversations with the community.

She said:

“People live here and they should be proud of it. If I can bring something to the table that makes them feel better where they live, I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing.”

These improvements are part of Hyde’s wider work to invest in neighbourhoods, respond to customer concerns, and create safe, welcoming spaces for residents.