Lancaster Super Hero Wings mural due to be replaced after vandals pull it down

A mural celebrating "community loveliness" which was installed in Lancaster's St Nic's shopping centre is due to be replaced after it was wrecked last Friday night.
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Lancaster BID (Business Improvement District) commissioned artist Sandy Gardner to create the Wings for Lancaster's Super Heroes last week.

Sandy said the mural was a "place to celebrate and encourage all acts of community loveliness however small these acts may seem".

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But within just days, the mural was damaged and pulled off the wall by a group of young people.

Sandy with the mural in St Nic's Shopping Centre, Lancaster.Sandy with the mural in St Nic's Shopping Centre, Lancaster.
Sandy with the mural in St Nic's Shopping Centre, Lancaster.

Lancaster police are investigating.

Tony Johnson, Lancaster BID manager, said: "The idea behind the project was for people to nominate their heroes over the last few months - we made sure we didn't mention COVID but we wanted to find out all the people that have gone over and above this year and then crown a champion at the end of January with a trophy and £100 shopping voucher.

"We basically got the rules and info about the project put on a board next to the artwork.

"We launched last Monday and had some great comments on social media etc, but on Friday a group of youths decided to rip it down.

The Wings for Lancaster's Super Heroes mural.The Wings for Lancaster's Super Heroes mural.
The Wings for Lancaster's Super Heroes mural.
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"I believe there are images on CCTV, and the damage is not a complete write off."

Sandy, whose winged creations have featured at Lancaster Music Festival and other events across the city in the past, said: "I believe that everyone deserves their Super Hero wings, for small acts of kindness, helping a friend or for doing something thoughtful for a neighbour or the street they live on.

"I created the mural as a place to celebrate and encourage all acts of community loveliness however small these acts may seem.

"The mural is full of symbolic imagery linked to many of the wonderful things that make Lancaster so fantastic.

A close up of part of the mural, which was damaged and pulled off the wall last week, but is due to be replaced.A close up of part of the mural, which was damaged and pulled off the wall last week, but is due to be replaced.
A close up of part of the mural, which was damaged and pulled off the wall last week, but is due to be replaced.
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"Unfortunately within a week of installation the mural was hauled off the wall late Friday evening by a destructive group.

"This was shocking and upsetting, however I know that mindless activity like this is in the minority.

"Acts like this are a symptom of problems many places have, and consistently need to be positively addressed.

"There are many, many great initiatives in place in Lancaster that work towards combating this like Escape 2 Make, The Dukes, and More Music.... all people who definitely deserve their Super Hero wings.

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"The public's response to the mural being pulled down has been overwhelmingly full of love and positivity.

"Adrian Walsh of Printing.com, based at the Story Institute immediately offered to replace the mural at a much reduced cost and members of the Lancaster public and beyond started to offer to pay for a replacement, proving that Lancaster is wonderful, strong and supportive community."

It is hoped the mural can be replaced today, Thursday December 10.