A less derelict image

Derelict, abandoned buildings can be a blight on any landscape or town centre. I was interested therefore to see a novel way to make a disused structure a little less of an eyesore while on a recent trip to Swanage. Here a building in a key position next to the harbour front is out of use. However a team of local artists have intervened and turned the structure into an imaginative piece of art, which visitors are actually attracted to, rather than being repelled from the dilapidated building. It even comes complete with it's own flock of wooden seagulls!On a similar theme schemes have recently been reported in parts of the country where empty high street shops have been given window paintings, or even posters portraying a real shop. The theory is that if the town looks less dilapidated people will feel more positive about it, which is good for business. Certainly in these times where finance is scarce, these low-cost initiatives really can make a difference.