Posted: 23rd November 2014

We couldn't have asked for a more successful Paint and Plant weekend.

There was a phenomenal response from volunteers (previous and new) with 52 people turning up over the weekend and we have successfully painted the whole 220 panels (third of a mile) of wall and planted all 4000 bulbs.

The paint for the wall was kindly supplied by Network Rail and worked brilliantly to cover the graffiti in one coat. We pretty much expected the graffiti to return immediately to test us, and sure enough when we returned on Sunday there was one piece on the newly painted part. It took all of 30 seconds to paint over, and now that the whole wall is one colour, you can't tell where it's been. Rest assured, we have plenty of paint left over and an army of willing volunteers who will be very happy to paint over any more that returns.

Also, 4000 bulbs were planted (thanks to York Council Holgate Ward funding), many by young families. We managed to plant bulbs under all 29 trees along the edge of Cinder Lane, as well as the trees beside the road in the residential area around the one-way system. Unlike the wall, this doesn't make such a dramatic visual difference yet - we'll have to wait till the Spring for that treat.

Many thanks to everyone that turned up to help, to Leeman Stores for the refreshments, to Vale Radio and York Press for publicising the event, to Network Rail for all the paint, to York Council for the bulbs, equipment and support and all the appreciative members of the passing public who showed their gratitude to the volunteers with words of encouragement.

Next: York Press article on Paint and Plant Weekend