AN artist must go back to the drawing board after his designs for murals in Ferryhill were rejected as too bold.

Ferryhill Town Council is considering brightening up blank walls in the town with artworks.

Artist Steve Hunter produced ideas for various locations around the town, including the side of the Safeway supermarket, but they have been rejected.

Jamie Corrigan, executive officer of Ferryhill Town Council, said: "The problem is that the murals originally produced by the artist are too much in your face and not quite what the council had in mind.

"We had something more subtle in mind to enhance the appearance of Ferryhill and we don't think the ones we have shown people so far do that.

"We are pleased that we have had people showing an interest in this.

"Even if it has been negative, it is nice that people have made the effort to let us know the murals we have put out are not suitable."

It is hoped the project could form part of the Dean Bank environmental improvement scheme.

Mr Corrigan said: "We are going to have a rethink and get the artist to produce something a bit more subtle."

The public will be consulted fully before the project is given the go-ahead, after which applications will be made for grants to fund the scheme.