The Highwayman Youth and Community Centre has just completed the first phase of a project to brighten up the Ann Street play park.

The idea was dreamed up by Veronica Harris, on work placement from her Dundee University community education degree.

Neil Crutchley, project worker at the centre, said the work was made possible by a £3800 grant from national charity Children in Need.

The centre enlisted the help of local youngsters to undertake the task and had the expert assistance of local artist Richie Cumming during the initial phase.

One wall now bears a giant mural, with three further walls due to be tackled in due course.

Mr Crutchley has called on all members of the community to join the effort in a bid to stop anti-social graffiti.

“We had range of young people involved in the first phase, kids from eight up to 15,” he explained.

“But we want the whole community involved.

“There is a lot of uncertainty among young people in Hilltown just now with things like the multis coming down.

“We believe if you allow people to be involved and creative, you give them ownership of the area and vandalism is then less likely to happen.”

Ms Harris, who lives in Fife, said she was motivated to develop the initiative by the interest shown in art by youngsters in the area, particularly the graffiti form.

“It’s good to get the young people focused,” she added.

“This works as a diversion to anti-social behaviour.”

Further funding for the project is being sought from the Dundee Community Safety Partnership.