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Perfect project leaves Leysdown lighter-hearted

Lanterns along Leysdown seafront
Lanterns along Leysdown seafront

An arts-led regeneration scheme to brighten up a Sheppey village has ended after three years.

The Leysdown Rose-tinted project, overseen by Maidstone firm FrancisKnight, attracted £200,000 of external grants and saw 12 permanent art installations.

A series of works, produced through Can-Do Signage, were dotted around the area to show great views and one bore the simple message “Perfect”.

An information board was put up in March 2012 on The Promenade to welcome visitors.

A pair of large wooden resting places were installed on the 9.5km cycle trail between Leysdown and Harty.

They were called Raptor Point and The Edge and were designed to reflect the spirit of flight, both the Island’s aviation history and the bird sites on the marshes.

In March a string of illuminations went up along the seafront.

Leysdown Rose-tinted project officer Louise Francis
Leysdown Rose-tinted project officer Louise Francis

Sheppey’s Big Fish Arts group held lantern-making workshops with pupils from Eastchurch Primary’s St Clements site, who held a parade leading to a switch-on event for the lights.

An online archive of stories by people who live and work in the village was created on www.voicesofleysdown.co.uk.

Artist-led workshops were also held and flower arrangements were planted in The Spinney.

Project manager Louise Francis said: “We had a vision to which all the community contributed and we started small then built them up.

“I think we developed some really interesting pieces and there is some work of very high quality.”

Geoff Partis, chairman of Leysdown Parish Council, said: “There’s been a lot going on over the last couple of years. Leysdown is transforming itself into a vibrant destination where people want to visit again and again.”

Project partners included Swale council, Kent County Council, Leysdown Parish Council and Queenborough Fisheries Trust.

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