Hither Green looks set to get its own mural as a crowdfunding campaign nearly hits it's £2000 target. 

Teaching assistant Caroline Hughes was inspired by artwork in Herne Hill and after a ground swell of support in the community, decided to raise funds for a similar one in Ennersdale road, Hither Green.

The mural will be created by south-east London artists Lionel Stanhope, who painted the original, and Zara Gaze, sculptor of the famous Brockley sand cat.

Ms Hughes, who is also a photographer and writer, said: “My husband, who is a black cab driver, took a picture of the original and said doesn’t this look brilliant. I posted it on Facebook and the response was just amazing.

“After that response my friend said, well you have got to do it then, it was funny because I have never done anything like this before.

“We called an informal meeting and said what does everyone reckon?”

She added: “It’s gained momentum in a way I didn’t anticipate, and most significantly it just feels really supportive.”

News Shopper:

Ms Hughes also made badges to sell to raise funds for the mural.

The idea behind the mural is to brighten up an “unloved spot” and link the two sides of Hither Green, on either side of the railway.

Ms Hughes, 49, from Torridon Road, said: “It is fairly quiet there but it spans Hither Green, which is divided by the railway line, and there is some historic stuff about a ‘good’ side and a ‘bad’ side which is lessening a bit.

“It is nice to do it there because it is linking both sides and I hope it will create a greater sense of identity.

“Lots of people who walk that way are enthusiastic about it, it feels like it will lift the spot and bring a little bit of energy that was not there before.”

The crowdfunding campaign is nearing its £2000 target, having received 51 donations so far.

Ms Hughes said the support has been so encouraging that she is planning further murals near the station.

She told News Shopper: “We know this one will work because we are really close to our target but it would be wonderful to take it forward and do something on either side of the station.

“Any excess funds will roll over, we would like things to continue.”

To donate money to the crowdfunding campaign visit the Hither Green mural justgiving page.