A HUGE riverside wall, traditionally a popular spot for graffiti artists, has been transformed into a bold and bright mural by creative youngsters.The wall behind Ranelagh Road, in Ipswich, which measures 140ft by 12ft, has been covered in a conceptual design, made to look like a teenager's bedroom shelf.

A HUGE riverside wall, traditionally a popular spot for graffiti artists, has been transformed into a bold and bright mural by creative youngsters.

The wall behind Ranelagh Road, in Ipswich, which measures 140ft by 12ft, has been covered in a conceptual design, made to look like a teenager's bedroom shelf.

It features a goldfish bowl, books and even a mug of tea.

A number of youngsters, aged between ten and 18 and involved with Ipswich youth groups Making Tracks and 4YP, took part in the week-long project, aided by two professional spray can artists.

Catherine Booty, community safety project officer at Ipswich Borough Council, said the project was the first of its kind in the town.

She said: “It was about giving young people something to do in the summer.

“They really enjoyed the project and it was a great opportunity for them.”

Five youngsters took part in every session - Kris Sone, Oliver Warne, Luke Tye, Tony Harrison and Shannon Johnson.

Hannah Besley, also a community safety officer, added: “When people come into Ipswich by train they will be able to see positive images on that wall created by young people living here.”

Spray paint graffiti divides opinion, with some seeing it as vandalism while others acclaim the work of underground street artists such as Banksy as masterpieces.

In Ipswich, statistics collated by the council indicates that the Westgate, Alexandra, Bridge, Stoke Park and Gipping areas experience the highest levels of graffiti.

Graffiti - art or vandalism? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk