Graffiti protest at Exeter arch

PROTESTERS have used more graffiti to make their feelings clear about the controversial Heavitree arch in Exeter.

Complaints about the £170,000 metal and glass structure have not let up since its recent erection.

Now the infamous white elephant mural, which is painted behind the shiny new artwork, has been joined by 'Archie' — the red-faced council official.

Residents armed with cans of paint completed the picture on the side of the Gun and Sport Shop over the weekend.

They say they were stopped by police. But as the shop is privately owned, officers had no power to stop or get rid of the graffiti.

The painters say bowler-hatted Archie, who has red cheeks, his eyes closed and his fingers in his ears, represents what they see as the undemocratic process which led to the arch's construction.

The latest picture with its clear message is a blow for Exeter City Council officials, who are completing works to improve Fore Street.

The latest painting was created by members of the Heavitree Sculpture Focus Group.

Spokesman Martyn Beckett said: "It is too late to change the minds of the council but if this little light-hearted mural helps to concentrate officials' minds and encourages them to consult more thoroughly in other areas of the city, then it will have served its purpose."

He added: "We believe that in just under an hour, and for less than a litre of paint, we have created something that will speak louder to the people of Heavitree than the glass and steel structure in front of it."

Fellow protester David Dunne said: "Actually, we were going to paint higher up on the wall so that the face could peep from between the top of the glass panel and the apex of the arch itself. That proved too difficult, because although we had a long ladder none of us has a head for heights.

"It's actually turned out really well. The face is positioned directly behind the £10,000 yew panel. Because it is not possible to make out words etched into this glass 'tombstone', our painting stands out very distinctly behind it.

"We believe that people wanted a bright, simple mural and we've done our best to provide it."

Protesters have told the Echo that they have not ruled out adding further images, but first they will create an alternative mural on the nearby Light of India restaurant.

A council spokeswoman said: "We don't have any comment to make. This is obviously a matter for the police."