A PROJECT to renovate an ageing and flaking town centre mural has stalled awaiting the go-ahead from a shop.

The Harwich Society has offered to commission a new mural for the long wall in Kingsway to replace the run-down current artwork.

Unveiled in 2010, the mural was the result of a summer of work by teenagers from the then Harwich School with local artist Roger Hamer.

But the once brightly coloured pictures of beach huts and the Electric Palace are now worn out and have been branded an “eyesore” in a prime focal point of the town.

Richard Colley, Harwich Society volunteer, said: “The mural in Kingsway was painted many years ago to brighten the centre of Dovercourt.

“It was in the early days of Harwich Connexions as I remember Les Double had a hand in organising it at that time, he was a director of the Co-op. It was thought it would be a really good thing to brighten up a blank long wall in the centre of the town, but the mural has weathered.

“Now faded, cracked and peeling, the mural has become an eyesore and is overdue for renewal.

“Last year the Harwich Society contacted the East of England Co-op about the situation and was delighted to gain its positive support as the property owner.”

But the project has hit a stumbling block as the tenant of the building, Superdrug, has not backed the work.

Mr Colley added: “The Co-op has prepared specifications and obtained quotations for the necessary repairs to the rendered wall to provide a sound base for the new mural.

“The building is occupied by Superdrug who, as tenant, have yet to formally agree to this project on the flank wall of their store. This has delayed the mural project and we are grateful to the Co-op for continuing to back this project. It will brighten up the town centre, improve a shabby building frontage, encourage footfall and passing trade.”