IMPRESSIVE new artwork has been unveiled in Byker as part of a joint street transformation project to support the areas ongoing regeneration and give the high street a new fresh and vibrant identity.

The Shields Road area in Byker has benefited from significant investment and a series of initiatives like the new art installation, funded through Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth’s Project Shield, building on Newcastle City Council’s Inclusive, Healthy, Vibrant High Streets Project and the Community Safety Team’s work to create better, safer neighbourhoods.

It all aims to help make the neighbourhood feel a safer and a more welcoming place for people to live and work.

The area has also been on the up, since an Empowering People In Communities (EPIC) Team was launched by Newcastle City Council, bringing partners and the local community together to build on the success of EPIC West and the City Safe Hub.

The council’s Community Safety and High Streets teams, in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner, commissioned artist Alec Saunders (also known as ALECLDN) to work with the community and partner organisations including Foundation Futures. The commission engaged young people in the design of artwork on surrounding shutters and walls to enhance Addison Road and celebrate Byker’s distinctive character.

A similar makeover of Newcastle’s West Denton underpass has seen the number of ASB reports reduce drastically, there have only been 7 reports of ASB since June 2025, and it is hoped the Byker project hopes to have a similar impact.

For the last two years, Byker has been a Project Shield hotspot, with police and partners rolling out additional patrols and targeted activity to help tackle issues such as street drinking, littering and loitering. The approach has helped deliver a 40% reduction in ASB as a 12-month rolling average.

Northumbria Police and Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “The area has always had a strong identity with deep community roots – a proud Newcastle neighbourhood – but residents had been telling me about concerns such as anti-social behaviour. And so, I am pleased all the recent work, effort and investment is having a positive impact and the area is on the up. This artwork really taps into the grit and creativity of the area and helps make it a more inviting environment people want to be in.

“We are already seeing the impact of improvements to the area with falling ASB figures and increased feelings of safety and we will keep working together to build on this and big Byker up further.”

Christine Knox, Community Safety Lead at Newcastle City Council, said: “Projects like this, which we are proud to be involved in, don’t just deter unwanted graffiti and antisocial behaviour they change attitudes. Local people feel more involved in and responsible for the area where they live.

“This amazing artwork creates a welcoming and friendly public space that reflects the character and aspirations of the people of Byker and builds a real sense of community.”

Inspector Craig Patchett, of Northumbria Police’s Newcastle Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “A huge well done to everyone who has been involved in the creation of this fantastic piece of artwork.

“I’m sure it will build on the important sense of community which the people of Byker are dedicated to helping improve.

“Alongside our partners, Project Shield and the EPIC East team continue to record impressive results in tackling the very issues that we know matter to people.

“The public should rest assured that we are in no way complacent in this area. We’ll carry on doing all we can to keep Byker as safe as it possibly can be for residents and visitors alike.”

Jennie Maughan from Foundation Futures said:

“This collaboration was driven by the creativity and insight of our local young people. They participated in the artistic process by meeting with the artist and sharing their thoughts, ideas, and views of the area where they live. It is a priority for us to ensure young people build mutual respect and positive relationships with the police. By involving them in projects like this, we send a clear message: young people’s ideas matter, their voice is important, and they are key partners in making their community feel like home.”

ENDS

PHOTO: PCC Susan Dungworth joined by Byker Neighbourhood Policing Team, Newcastle City Council EPIC staff and Foundation Futures