Public react angrily after real arch cost is unveiled by Echo
READERS have been responding with anger after the true cost of a controversial city art project was revealed by the Echo.
Exeter City Council had said the glass and metal arch planned for Heavitree would be £73,000.
But after the Echo submitted a Freedom of Information request about the arch, the real cost was revealed as £172,000.
As well as the arch itself, the scheme includes foundations for the structure, an interpretation panel, artist interviews and fees, poet fees, blacksmith fees and circle paving and lettering in the pavement.
But readers have criticised the scheme on the Echo's website, www.thisisexeter.co.uk, with some questioning the cost of the project.
"In the midst of redundancies, repossessions and a potentially bankrupt central government, our local authority has the idiocy and impudence to squander our hard-earned cash on an arch," wrote a reader known as Senor B, adding: "That's enough for me to pack my bags and head for sunnier climes."
Marie, also from Exeter, was "disgusted".
She wrote: "For nearly a year I have been in a constant battle with the education and local authorities regarding a lack of funding to help my six-year-old child, who has special needs and behavioural difficulties."
Marie said she understood there were different pots of money for different services, but felt "this excess amount" was a "disgrace".
Karen, in Honiton, wrote: "I often drive through Heavitree and would agree the area does need a little smartening up. But £172,000?
"That is a complete disgrace. Come on, council, listen to the people of the area, spend wisely."
An anonymous comment from an Exeter reader said: "How about local artists working on a local project and using art to bring people together and symbolise the community spirit?."
And Jo, from Heavitree, wrote: "Having followed the arch story for weeks, I still just don't understand why the council has proceeded to overspend on something no one seems to want.
"The initial requests of local people were simple, straightforward and a perfectly reasonable use of the money given to them by Tesco."
She added: "I have studied art for years and am now a successful designer and although I agree art is subjective, if the people paying for the art, in this case the good people of Heavitree, don't like it, then they should not be forced into it.
"I especially resent the attitude taken by the council which seems to be one of, 'they don't know what they're talking about when it comes to contemporary art'. I do, and for what it's worth, I think the arch is outdated, unimaginative and quite ugly."
Cliff Cocker commended the Echo's coverage of the story, writing: "Your article concerning the extravagance and disregard of local opinions relating to the Heavitree Art is informative and highly praiseworthy."
To see a full selection of readers' views on the Heavitree arch and to add your own, visit www.thisisexeter.co.uk.
7 Comments
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by Darren, Exeter
Monday, December 01 2008, 3:47PM
“Can anyone explain why these people are not immediately sacked for their blatant deliberate lies?”
by June, Bath (Ex-resident of Exeter)
Sunday, November 30 2008, 10:16PM
“How wise is it to have something 'thought provoking' as said by John Rigby in yesterday's paper, when one is DRIVING by this obviously much disliked and unwanted Arch? Why was the the total cost never stated from the beginning? The £73,000 figure, although correct for the actual Arch, was, in fact very deceiving as the people obviously thought that this was the only cost involved. NOT a decent way for John Rigby and Co. to treat the public! It would be most interesting to know in what way this highly controversial piece will be a 'sign to boost the area' another comment by John Rigby. Having read the 'I'm used to winning people over with words' remark from Ralph Hoyte (poet) in one of his emails that was brought to reader's attention yesterday through the Freedom of Information Act, I can definately say that he has not done so with me! His crass and insensitive emails are not at all what I would expect from an apparent poet! In view of the numbers of people who are opposed to this Arch, why not consult the locals (?again) about what they want, by post to ensure ALL are consulted, and then go ahead with THAT - after all isn't this project FOR them!?”
by no name, exeter
Sunday, November 30 2008, 9:06PM
“every one is complanning about this stubit arch but in the long run we will benfit more from it. as people will come to see this arch all year round.
i have had some people say that "what is the point in a arch and not a icerink" well i say that an icerink is only for the chrismas mouths e.g december ,januray thats 2 mouths out of 12. so if people come to exeter in theys mouths for the icerink they book there tickets withch is a round £5.50 for i child and £6.50 for an adult.
but the arch wil be there alll year round so people will come to see it have lunch look at some of the shops so they will spend more money.
so exeter comunity will benfit more from an arch thatn a icerink.
thank you”
by Jim, Whipton, Exeter
Saturday, November 29 2008, 7:47PM
“If you want to see a silly video with a not so silly message, go to YOUTUBE and search for NELLIE EXETER. The thumbnail will show you which one. It seems the 70 grand mentioned needs upgrading to 172 grand. If the video is a bit disrespectful, it might be that the Council is undeserving of respect for its larger boo-boos.”
by Richard, Heavitree
Saturday, November 29 2008, 7:04PM
“Why is everyone so shocked and surprised, after all this is democracy in action.
We are encouraged to waste our time turning out at elections to vote these people into office. They then take their election as a mandate to do as they please and pay absolutely no attention to the views of the public as in this case.
To justify their actions they hold a public consultation, normally at a place and time inconvienent to most people and then proceed with their plans, generally against the wishes of the public, as in this case.
Perhaps the residents of Heavitree and Exeter should follow the example of the E&E and request further details from the council regarding exactly where the money for this whole project has gone.
If not satisfied we can always show our disatisfaction by not voting for the councillors involved at the next election.”