The UK’s longest mural has been completed in Bootle as part of a project designed to make journeys to school safer and create a more welcoming environment for walking, wheeling and cycling.

Created by Merseyside artist Paul Curtis, the spectacular mural stretches for 160 metres along the Cinder Path and covers around 480 square metres – approximately the same area as two tennis courts.

The artwork took six weeks to complete and forms part of Sefton Council’s Bootle North Park School Neighbourhood project.

The Cinder Path connects Thomas Gray Primary School and All Saints Catholic Primary School, with improvements to the route identified as a priority following extensive engagement with pupils and the wider community.

As part of the project, Sefton Council has carried out litter picking, cut back weeds and upgraded street lighting, alongside commissioning the huge mural to brighten up the pathway.

Pupils from both primary schools played a major role in shaping the artwork.

Workshops were held at the schools, with children submitting their own ideas and designs for the mural. Popular themes included greenery, wildlife and the environment.

A second workshop then gave pupils the opportunity to vote for their favourite design before Paul Curtis began work on the mural on July 7.

Cllr Phil Hart, Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways, said:

“The School Neighbourhood approach is our innovative approach to the national School Streets initiative. We take that idea of improving active travel to schools and take a more flexible approach, looking at the wider area as a whole, and include the pupils themselves and implementing changes that they want and need.

“This approach benefits the wider community as well, because local journeys and routes are improved for everyone who uses them.”

Paul Curtis, Artist said:

“Working with the pupils to bring joy to what was a bit of a dingey alley and make that walk to school feel safer and more fun and interesting is really rewarding.  It was great to have them be part of the design process.  Public artworks often create a sense of pride and ownership in a local area so I hope this painting has that effect too.”

“Even before it was completed, we had such lovely feedback and I’ve been really looking forward to the pupils seeing it now that they’re back to school.”

Avril Sanderson, Principal Urban Designer at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust said:

“The North Park project reflects Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s vision of a world where it is possible for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle; for better air quality, safer school runs and healthier, happier residents. Our engagement work with schools and community groups has been central to the project, so we are delighted for the pupils at All Saints and Thomas Gray Primary Schools that one of their design ideas will be brought to life and contribute to making the school journey a happier one.”

The improvements have been funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), which is supporting projects aimed at improving active travel infrastructure across the Liverpool City Region.

Sefton Council has been working on a range of schemes across the borough to make local journeys safer and encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle.

Further changes arising from engagement around the School Neighbourhood project are expected to be introduced later this year, including additional road safety improvements.

The School Neighbourhood approach is also beginning to be rolled out more widely across Sefton as the council continues working with schools and communities across the borough.

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