IN RESPONSE to Leo Barraclough’s letter (Nice Idea, But Not In My Back Yard, Thanks, The Argus, May 19) regarding our Festival Eco Wall on Preston Drove, we’d like to clarify some facts as we are concerned your readers have been misinformed.

It should be made very clear that this project was completely self-initiated and self-funded with the support of five talented street artists, who gave their time pro bono in the spirit of a festival community art project.

Brighton and Hove City Council did not have any financial involvement, and Mr Barraclough’s letter is therefore factually incorrect.

Before painting our wall, we did consult neighbours and contacted relevant council officers who clarified we had the right to paint our own wall as we wished.

We had an amazing weekend involving children and adults.

The artists gave creative tips as well as strong messages about responsible street art.

Neighbours have met neighbours, kids made grown-ups laugh, and the positive feedback we have had has been astonishing.

The visual results are amazing, but the social impact has been as noticeable.

For example, I met a mother with her two young daughters by the wall. Her children were prompted by a message on the artwork to ask their mother why they should walk to school instead of taking the car. This gave her the chance to explain to them why we need to be more environmentally aware.

Our Eco Wall is a temporary installation to coincide with the Brighton Festival.

It is only visible for a few weeks, but its community resonance will outlast its visual presence. It’s a shame localised heritage-focussed conservation has become the focus, when conservation of natural resources, biodiversity and the very environment we depend on, is the bigger picture.

The mural will be painted over at the end of the Festival and everything will be back to “normal”.

Leo is more than welcome to join our community “paint-over” party as all goes back to white. We welcome the chance to share opinions, as neighbours, face to face.

Simon, Caroline, Joshua and Jessica Bottrell, Preston Drove, Brighton

READING about these street murals on your letters page set me thinking.

Perhaps these talented artists would be willing to do a group of OAPS a huge favour.

We are living in sheltered housing in Brighton and Hove and have been told, for health and safety reasons, all pictures in public areas have to be taken down. The result of this is that the walls are very bare.

I’ve seen some brilliant murals across the city and can imagine what a difference they would make to our environment.

So, how about it all you talented artists? Would you consider bringing some colour back into our building?

Rose Haines, Sanders House, Brighton

Anti mural

AS WELL as Leo Barraclough (Letters, May 19), I too was shocked to see the mural in Preston Drove, within the Preston Park Conservation Area.

However, I’m told that no planning permission was required as it is not a council venture.

It is on private property and this mural is visible as part of the Brighton Festival Fringe, and not a permanent feature.

I hope it is swiftly removed when the Festival ends.

Selma Montford, Hon Secretary, Preston and Old Patcham Society, Clermont Road, Brighton