The shelter at Greenmeadow Shops had been affected by graffiti and wear before Haydon Wick Parish Council decided to give it a makeover.
The work forms part of the council’s Bus Shelter Regeneration Programme, which aims to turn damaged and overlooked shelters into more welcoming community spaces.
Children were invited to contribute through a competition called “What Does Haydon Wick Mean to You?”, launched earlier this year.
Parish council representatives visited Greenmeadow Primary School to introduce the competition during an assembly.
Pupils were asked to draw places, wildlife and other features which they felt made their local area special.
The competition was also opened to other schools, attracting 95 entries from Greenmeadow Primary School, Orchid Vale Primary School and Abbey Park School.
Ideas included local wildlife and play parks, alongside Mouldon Hill Country Park, Seven Fields Nature Reserve and Haydon Wick’s Wild Service Tree.
As the shelter is located at Greenmeadow Shops, entries from Greenmeadow Primary pupils provided the main inspiration for the finished artwork.
The council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team cleaned and prepared the shelter before painting started.
The mural was then created over two days by the council’s Office and Community Administrator and Marketing and Events Co-ordinator, who combined several of the children’s ideas into a single design.
Residents stopped to ask about the project, share memories and offer encouragement while the work was under way. Passing motorists also reportedly waved and gave thumbs-up.
Councillors Leigh Jackson and Sudha Nukana helped during the final stages, painting floral details and completing the mural.
Cllr Leigh Jackson, chair of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee, said:
“It was a pleasure to support the team during the final stages of the mural and see the children’s ideas come to life.
“The artwork beautifully captures so many of the things that make Haydon Wick special, from our green spaces and wildlife to the places where families come together and enjoy the outdoors.
“Projects like this help create a sense of pride in our public spaces and encourage people to value and look after them. I hope everyone who uses the shelter enjoys the creativity and enthusiasm that has gone into its design.”
Cllr Sudha Nukana, chair of the Community Development Committee, said:
“From the children who shared their ideas, to the staff who painted the mural and the residents who cheered the team on, everyone has played a part.
“We have transformed an overlooked space into something welcoming, vibrant and full of character. It is a fantastic example of community connection in action.”
The project follows other environmental initiatives in the area, including community litter picks.
The council hopes the work will improve the appearance of public spaces while encouraging residents to take pride in their local area.
