Find out why these wolf murals have appeared along Stafford Road

Creative pieces of art, all depicting a wolf in various forms, have been put on the central reservation near the Vine Island on the A449 Stafford Road.

The six pieces have been created by five male inmates at Oakwood Prison in Featherstone as part of a community outreach scheme.

One shows a wolf in a dark tunnel or cave, while another shows a wolf next to little red riding hood, and they've replaced some of the trees that had to be taken down due to the work.

The scheme comes from infrastructure company Eurovia who were contracted for the roadwork improvements on the Stafford Road.

And the special artwork is a celebration of the completion of the work, where the road has been widened to ease congestion, it's been resurfaced, and new signs and markings introduced.

A spokesperson for Wolverhampton Council said: “To mark the completion of the major works along the A449, Wolverhampton Council has a surprise in store that will complement the city north gateway, due to be revealed next month.

“In the meantime, creative hoardings have been installed displaying artwork produced by residents at HMP Oakwood, through the learning and skills department, as part of an outreach project through Eurovia to promote community engagement.

“The hoardings display six wolf-themed graphics including Little Red Riding Hood, a film noir werewolf, a wolf in moonlight, Teen Wolf dressed in a Wolverhampton Wanderers kit, Wile. E Coyote and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“Once the hoardings are taken down, they will be auctioned to raise money for two charities at the request of the artists, ‘Victim Support’ and the mental health charity ‘Mind’.”

Matthew Stubbings, Divisional Manager at Eurovia said: “As a business committed to putting something back into the local community, it was great to work alongside the team at HMP Oakwood who provided some fantastic artwork to brighten up the hoardings used in the run-up to the grand unveiling.”

Bushbury councillor Alan Butt said: "We're very pleased this is going ahead and that people are getting involved, we're looking forward to the unveiling.

"There's been a lot of flack from residents over the removal of some of the trees, but this is an improvement, it shows we can recycle it and put something back into the area.

"In terms of the road, I use it regularly and I welcome the work that's been done on it, speeding is always an issue, as it is with most roads."

John McLaughin, Director, HMP Oakwood, added: “HMP Oakwood aims to develop and enhance the skills of individuals by providing opportunities for the men in our care to retrain and upskill in preparation for their release.

"The residents at HMP Oakwood undertook the challenge of creating temporary artwork for the ongoing City North Gateway scheme, and produced outstanding artwork that showcases the breadth of their skills and talent.

"The artwork will be auctioned for the resident’s two chosen charities.”