Graffiti artists are being urged to put their skills to good use and create an eye-catching display for a park - rather than deface planters, as was the case recently.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough said she planted bulbs in five planters at the Blackburn Road junction in Astley Bridge, but weeks later noticed one of them had been sprayed with graffiti.

Resident Tony Hewitt managed to get it off, with Cllr Fairclough saying while she encouraged art that could be displayed, she did not like planters being ruined in any way.

Cllr Fairclough said: “Cleaning it up has been really appreciated by residents.

“It’s such a shame because they are new planters that we have been given and it is very disappointing for someone to do this.”

The flowers will be ready by next year spring for people to enjoy, and the cllr posted the pictures to Facebook.

She said: “People love to see the flowers and we do our best to try and plant them.

“I put it on Facebook and showed Tony taking the graffiti off and lots of people said they appreciated it.

“I know there is a place for graffiti, but this was not it.”

Cllr Fairclough wants to ensure that anyone who wishes to display their graffiti work can be given a board.

She said: “This was not something you would want on council property.

The Bolton News: Planters

“But I do not have a problem with graffiti murals, and I see them in other places and they’re all very attractive.

“We do a lot of art boards with schools around Moss Bank Way and if anyone else would like to do one, they should know we are happy to accommodate them and display their work.

“So, if you have an interest in art, we would be happy to supply boards and you can have them displayed around the area.”

Cllr Fairclough said that she had noticed many murals on walls of pubs and would welcome anything like this.

She said: “The flowers are a lovely focal point and so is the art.

“Graffiti can look nice as we all know Banksy, we know the potential there.

“If people can paint nice pictures, then this is a good thing.”