SWANAGE has been ‘flooded with art’ with newly painted temporary flood barriers to help people who are visually impaired.
The concrete barriers were installed by the Environment Agency after residents and businesses struggled with flooding and debris from the sea that was littering roadways.
However, a disability report by Swanage Town Council in November 2022 found that the barriers were ‘too grey’ for visually impaired people to see between the blocks and the pavement.
Dorset Coast Forum proposed an art trail to the Environment Agency, to highlight the blocks, raise awareness of coastal flood protection, and provide a colourful project for the community.
Swanage resident, Hatty Greenway, became the project’s visually impaired advisor and said: “I love Swanage, it is a wonderful place to live.
“My reason for joining the art trail project was to help make Swanage more visually accessible for everyone with a disability and bring it to life.
“It has been a pleasure to be part of the project.
“I hope the trail makes everyone see the beauty of the Purbecks in a whole new light.”
Local artist, Andy Knill, created the name ‘Flooding Swanage with Art’ for the colourful trail.
It begins at The Mowlem Slipway and the title is featured in braille tiles created by Dorset ceramicist, Lynne Dinmore, in Heritage Square.
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The project took just eight weeks from start to installation and brought together six artists, three local schools, Swanage Youth Club, Swanage Scouts, local businesses and organisations supporting young disabled people in the town.
Nikki Lardner, year nine teacher at Swanage School, said: "For our year nines to jump into the autumn term with a 'live brief', working with a street artist on a local art project was a great opportunity.
"We are excited to see the results on the flood barriers."
Business sponsors helped to fund the project, including Swanage & Purbeck Rotary, Shoreside, Chococco, the East Bar and The Ship Inn.
All 70 painted panels have now been installed and will be removed by Swanage Town Council at the end of the season in spring 2024 until being reinstalled in the autumn.
Although the barriers are a temporary fixture, Dorset Council, the Environment Agency and Swanage Town Council are working towards a permanent solution.
Project officer, Sara Parker, said the art trail is not only positive for the needs of the visually impaired but also raises awareness of the Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) scheme.
More information can be found on the ‘Dorset coast have your say’ website under ‘Swanage Town Coastal Protection Scheme’.
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