PUBLIC art planned to go around the George Ward Gardens development in Melksham will go on show at an exhibition this month.

It has been organised by Planet Art, which was chosen to run the project.

Town Cllr Adrienne Westbrook said: “It is a complete collaboration. There was a very rigorous selection process to choose the winning contractor.

“The artists from Planet Art came out to do workshops at local schools. They want to show residents all the efforts put together. The artwork is how residents wanted to remember the site and the designs will be revealed.”

The works designed have all been influenced by the former George Ward School logo, and include a Rings of Harmony entrance sculpture, river seating and a school inspired art trail across the Persimmon Homes site off Bath Road.

Artist Julie Edwards from Planet Art said: “As George Ward is a housing development a percentage of money has to go to an art project or education paid for by the developers.

“There were over 100 applicants and only six got shortlisted.

“We were thrilled to be selected. We held about 10 workshops and spoke to people to see what they wanted to have designed.

"People said they wanted the logo of the school included as it was designed by a former art teacher so we took various pieces as symbols to represent the school.”

During the summer they held workshops at the George Ward Gardens site, the opening of the Melksham splashpad, the Melksham Maker’s Market, the Food and River Festival, the 800th Market Charter anniversary celebrations, River Mead School, Melksham Oak School, Forest and Sandridge School, and Shaw School.

Planet Art, will host the exhibition at Melksham Town Hall from January 28 to February 2. On display will be designs and work by residents and students.