New Chartist mural in Rogerstone gets unanimous planning approval

It will have the same design as the city centre mosaic which was controversially demolished in 2013 to make way for the Friars Walk shopping centre.

The artwork will illustrate the story of the Newport Rising in 1839, when John Frost led protestors from across south Wales down to the town, where 22 people were shot dead outside the Westgate Hotel.

An artist's impression of the mural proposed by Rogerstone Community Council.

The Rogerstone Community Council project will cost £20,000, with the Heritage Lottery Fund covering costs for the mural and other activities including a celebration event and visits to local schools.

Councillor Stephen Bowen, who has led the project, says he was “delighted” after the mural received planning permission on April 3.

“This will serve as an important link between where the marchers came from to what happened in the town,” said Cllr Bowen.

“Rogerstone played a big part in the Chartist event. The marchers came down from this area, where they had stayed overnight.”

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Local schoolchildren will be invited to make their own Chartist charter for the 21st century, and take part in picnics and walks to the mural once it is built.

Cllr Bowen said: “We will have four schools within walking distance of the mural. We hope it will be something that schools can use when teaching local history.”

The mural will be set against four display panels in Cefn Road, Rogerstone, with visitors able to sit on a commemorative bench.

Another artist's impression of the mural

It will be built by Oliver Budd, whose father Kenneth created the original in the 1970s.

Newport council’s planning committee were united in their support of the proposal, with Councillor Miqdad Al-Nuaimi saying it would be “impossible” to object.

Councillor Graham Berry added: “It needs to be treated with respect.”