POLICE are investigating graffiti attacks that have seen red crosses daubed on installations on an art trail in Mossley.
A number of installations on the Welcome Back Art Trail around the car park in Top Mossley and
St Joseph’s Primary School were on the receiving end of incidents that have left people dismayed.
They were meant to be removed at the end of March anyway but police are now probing to see if they can find the culprit.
The attack is not putting off Mossley’s Town Team from making plans and approaches to grow the more permanent art trail in the town, which is being developed with locally-based artist Chris Cyprus.
And Tony Snape, chair of the Town Team revealed an intention of getting Mossley’s younger people involved.
He said: “We do wish to try to engage more with the local younger element in the town and Chris is happy to help them develop and express their street art in the town, and maybe exhibit it if it fits in to our criteria as part of the art trail.”
As has been detailed previously, the Town Team needs permission from whoever owns buildings to put up further pieces of artwork.
Discussions are ongoing regarding an instillation on the Mill Street side of the pharmacy building in Bottom Mossley.
Mossley Football Club has sponsored an installation on the building housing Body and Mind and hopes are high The Fleece pub will agree to one going on there.
And after it was felt that it would not require permission from management firm Robertsons to place one at George Lawton Hall, a piece of artwork by students from Mossley Hollins will be placed inside.
The art trail – under the tag Painting The Town – is not the only one being earmarked for Mossley.
Tameside Council is looking at setting up an Inspector Gawper Trail, based on a fictional character and aimed at increasing walking.
So far, ideas include professionally designed and printed leaflets, bringing characters to life with actors and guided walks.
Further talks are expected in the coming weeks and Tony added: “As regards the Inspector Gawper Trails, matters are in hand with Tameside Council offices.”