Ghost town is now a big draw

A FORMER “ghost town” is now flourishing and attracting thousands of tourists — by commissioning artists to paint giant murals on the walls of shops and homes.

- By Kate Pounds

Stornara in Puglia, Italy, was once well known for producing wheat and olives, but saw its population decline as young people snubbed agricultural work for jobs in big cities. Local artist Lino Lombardi, 57, grew frustrated to see his home town “crumbling” around him, and was determined to make