Art on the Railings "Driving Chepstow forward"

3.29.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th May 2005

The development of Art on the Railings is "driving Chepstow forward", says outgoing Mayor of Chepstow Phil Hobson.

Chepstow's Art on the Railings started its 2005 season with a highly successful display and market in the town's new Beaufort Square.

The event also saw one of the last official appearances of Phil Hobson in his role as Mayor of Chepstow. Jacqui Sullivan of Art on the Railings said, "His encouragement and recognition of the event was much appreciated by those taking part."

"He has supported every event we have held throughout his year of office. What has impressed the exhibitors is the time he has taken with each of them to find out about their work. This has really helped encourage people to come back and book for future events."

Phil Hobson, Mayor, said "It's is just great to see how Art on the Railings are making the very best of the new Beaufort Square. They transform the area with colour and vibrancy and attract crowds - just what the design of the new square was meant to do."

"Art on the Railings is growing and becoming recognized as a place to exhibit with artists around Chepstow and beyond. The event is really helping to drive Chepstow forward as develop the town."

He added, "I know of several business people who have opened businesses in the town because of the regeneration of the High Street and events being held such as Art on the Railings. It is these positive events that are attracting inward investment in the town - and it is beginning to show."