People are going to be asked for their views on what artwork they would like to see decorate the Tonedale Bridge in Wellington.

Artwork had been put on the footbridge to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 and although it is still fairly presentable, time has come for Wellington Town Council to think about renewing the decoration.

Putting art on the bridge seems to have prevented it from becoming a hot spot problem for unsightly and offensive graffiti.

The Mayor, Cllr Mark Lithgow, speaking at the council’s economic development committee meeting, said: “Graffiti did start to appear on that bridge, but it seems to have stopped.”

The council’s events working group had met recently where it supported a public survey to be carried out to see if there was support for a mural to be painted onto the bridge once again with images depicting Wellington’s history.

It was said that the cost of the mural could cost between £4,000 and £5,000 and would be included in an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Mayor added: “I think we should go-ahead with a survey to see what people would like to see on the bridge.”

Cllr Steve Mercer said: “The bridge hasn’t had lots of graffiti and the it has now become an established piece of art.

“I think it’s well worth asking local people what they would like to see there. When I went and saw the artwork I was blown over by how good it was – you can’t see it if you’re in the car.”

A spokesman for the events working group said: “The survey will allow residents of Wellington to have a say as to what they believe are the important images that best represent them and their history.”