Barton Path mural re-dedicated to Cllr Diane Smallwood

Former Mayor, the late Cllr Mrs Diane Smallwood was remembered this week in a celebration of the work achieved along the Barton Path in Dover.

The Barton Path improvements started in 2011 and involved a number of local organisations. The aim was to make the once neglected area a tranquil and pleasant place to be. Following a number of successful clean-ups, in the summer of 2011, with the help of local artist Anita Luckett, pupils from Dover Grammar School for Girls, Charlton Primary and Barton Junior School designed a brightly coloured mural to run along the riverside.

In recent years the mural has been subject to a number of incidents of intentional damage , as well as suffering as a result of the weather. Jim Hood, who was co-opted as Town Councillor for St Radigunds Ward following the death of Diane Smallwood was determined to see the mural restored to its former glory and so funded the cost of the repairs, which now include anti-graffiti paint.

A small gathering took place along the Barton Path to unveil the restoration work and dedicate the mural to the late Diane Smallwood. The Mayor, who attending said: "The improvements along the Barton Path have transformed the area, I frequently see mother's and young children stopping to admire and discuss the mural, it's an educational tool as well as a piece of art. Dedicating the mural to Diane is a wonderful tribute and very fitting for a lady who loved the area."