Merlin Rouge wrote:I read this on Southwark Notes blog just now:
http://southwarknotes.wordpress.com/2012/07/26/council-spitefully-vandalise-heygate-community-gardens/
As someone who continues to enjoy the ever wonderful Heygate Community Gardens I am really saddened by the how the Council's actions there yesterday make no real sense and seem to come from some kind of antagonism towards the very community they are supposed to serve.
A lot of the community gardeners there are really upset by this latest attack on what they can only see as their efforts to work for the public good. The Council shows no real understanding of that effort and community spirit when they come and paint out the murals and graffiti that local artists had spent hours on brightening up this wonderful and alive community gardens.
These artistic efforts have been welcomed by the gardeners, free runners, chicken keepers, dog walkers and so on, all who continue to use the space because local people made this practical argument to keep the space and 400+ trees open to all. The Oakmayne site nearby, the old Elephant Rd park and football place, has been behind large fences for years awaiting a development that never comes. Heygate Community Gardeners were adamant that more public green space should be kept accessible for all as long as possible esp as two leaseholders are still living on the Estate.
Merlin Rouge wrote:The murals and street art are back in the Heygate Community Gardens after fed-up local folks waved their magic hands over the dull grey paint of the Council. All welcome in the Gardens. Open 24/7.
http://southwarknotes.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/community-restores-heygate-murals-after-council-vandalism/
spartacus wrote:Seconded!Merlin Rouge wrote:The murals and street art are back in the Heygate Community Gardens after fed-up local folks waved their magic hands over the dull grey paint of the Council. All welcome in the Gardens. Open 24/7.
http://southwarknotes.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/community-restores-heygate-murals-after-council-vandalism/
Brilliant, a great response to Southwark Council's own brand of arrogant and mean-spirited vandalism after they demonstrated once again how out of touch they can be with some sections of the community they are supposed to serve. Imho, this is one situation where graffiti is entirely appropriate and a genuine enhancement to the local environment.
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