Queen's platinum jubilee mural in New Milton moves closer

PLANS for a wall mural in the centre of New Milton commemorating the Queen’s platinum jubilee moved closer to fruition after months of setbacks.

Learning disability charity New Forest Mencap has been hoping the permanent feature, supported by a professional ceramic artist, can be added to the brick wall outside Boots at the junction of Station Road and Ashley Road.

The town council has now secured Boots’ permission for the installation, a recent amenities committee meeting heard.

The company has agreed to waive any fees, but one-off £1,250 landlords/agents fees will still have to be paid.

As well as the 6ft mural, the licence will cover the existing noticeboard and Christmas lights fixing points previously only verbally agreed.

As reported in the A&T, councillors agreed to step in to help Mencap find alternative funding streams after it lost out on a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Fund hand-out.

New Milton district councillors Steve Clarke, Steve Davies, Christine Ward and Keith Craze have already offered New Forest District Council community grants.

Pointing out the project’s estimated cost had been refined down from around £7,000 to £5,000, Cllr Alan O’Sullivan said just another £1,500 was needed.

“Luckily district councillors have got extra funds this year, so hopefully they can give me some more money to contribute,” he told the meeting.