LAUNCESTON'S coach park next to the Cornish & Devon Post building is to be given a colourful look by primary school pupils in the town.

The idea — put forward by PC Matt Kingdon, of Launceston Police — is that primary schools are involved in designing and painting murals on the walls of the coach park, owned by Launceston Town Council.

Similar projects for bus stops at Altarnun, Five Lanes, and Egloskerry have been very successful with the children producing "fantastic designs."

PC Kingdon has told the town council in a letter: "I wish to replicate this success in the new bus park on Westgate Street and involve the four local primary schools. I have approached each of them and they are very keen to take part."

PRIZES

The project begins with the children drawing pictures based on the town. Winning designs are then chosen and prizes awarded.

The winning designs are then projected on to an 8ft by 4ft board in the classroom and the children just paint away. The board is then coated with anti-graffiti paint before being put up.

Funding had been secured, said PC Kingdon and maintenance costs would be minimal or nil.

There will be four boards in total — one from each school. "These boards will be based on promoting the town we live in and be a focal point for visitors to the town....

"I strongly believe that the project not only develops the children's creative skills but also installs respect and a sense of ownership to property and their town."

The council voted to accept the offer and the Mayor, Cllr Eric Chapman said it was "a first class idea."