22/09/08 High View shopping parade unveiled

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has made several improvements to the Hilltop Shopping parade in High View, Bishops Rise, South Hatfield, over the last 18 months and to mark the final stage of the project, art students from the University of Hertfordshire have painted a mural in the tunnel area of High View.

After consulting with local residents, community groups, businesses and partners to tidy up the area, several improvements were made by the council. This included new planting in the area, installation of a dog waste bin, cleaning and painting of the shop fronts, nearby garages and the post box as well as a small play area in the central, highly visible area.

On Tuesday 23 September 2008 at High View shopping parade, the Mayor of Hatfield Town Council, Cllr Howard Morgan will cut the ribbon to mark the completion of the project and unveil the mural, designed by Sarah Dilley, a third year Fine Art Student at Hertfordshire University.

Also in attendance will be Deputy Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Cllr Kim Morris, representatives from the University of Hertfordshire, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Hatfield Town Council and local shopkeepers.

The improvement project was instigated by Hatfield West ward councillors Ron Wheeler, and the then-Mayor John Hawkins. After listening to the local community, the council addressed their concerns and made physical improvements to the area.

The council invited the university to get involved. They invited some of their art students to design a mural for the tunnel area and Sarah designed a piece in honour of her Great-Granddad who helped to build aeroplanes in Hatfield during the war and featuring a quote from Irish writer Robert Lynd.

The mural links Hatfield’s significant history to the present day and creates something for the current community to enjoy.

Ward Councillor for Hatfield West and Deputy Mayor Cllr Kim Morris said: “We are delighted to see this project completed, it has been a long process but a rewarding one as well and seeing the end result has made it all worth while. The mural is fantastic and a testament to the quality of students attending the University of Hertfordshire.”