Thought-provoking phrases were plastered on the sides of public buildings and buses in an attempt by local artists to get people population talking about regeneration.

Walking past the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery people were encouraged to ponder on the idea that “eighty per cent of impossible is possible”, and walkers passing the City Library can read in huge letters on the outside wall “talent hits a target no-one else can hit, genius hits a target no-one else can see”.

The signs were the work of local artist Chris Twigg who is the first of six commissioned local artists to produce exhibitions as part of the Feel The Feeling project, which is part of the Place, Space and Identity 2 programme masterminded by Newcastle-based B arts group.

The £100,000 scheme to encourage residents to think about their feelings about the city they live in was funded by Arts Council England and RENEW North Staffordshire.

Other “public realm” art works included a “living room” made up of memories of a house about to be knocked down, heat sensitive phrases printed on bus tickets and dance performances in the community.

Mr Twigg, who grew up in Stoke-on-Trent and is now a senior lecturer in graphic design at Lincoln University, asked hundreds of residents questions including: What does home mean to you? What do you worry about? When were you last happy or sad?

The replies, including “wherever my mum is”, “my hair, I’m losing it” and “I might lose my house” appeared on billboards on Lichfield Street and Leek Road in Hanley.

Hazel Lyth, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s portfolio holder for enterprise and culture, said: “Through Renew’s programme, North Staffordshire is undergoing an immense period of change. We need to find as many ways as possible to engage with people around the regeneration projects planned for their neighbourhoods.

“Place, Space and Identity offers us a unique opportunity to reach local people and get their views on the changes that are having a profound impact on their lives. The project gives people a platform to respond to the changes and by getting involved, residents can feel they are part of the regeneration process.”