The Paint Comes Off!
It was something of a shock when the sandstone frontage to an important building in the Hill Top Conservation Area was painted black overnight. According to the owners, African Village, the City Council had given them permission to carry out the work although the person was never traced. From the outset we were pretty sure it’s not possible to change the appearance of buildings in Conservation Areas without permission. It now appears that the owner, believed to be one of the major banks, was never consulted. When it came to know about the sensitive issue there was a quick response, and now at last we see the paint being stripped off.
It took a fair bit of research, overseen by the Council's Conservation Officer, to identify the best method of restoring the sandstone. The method used, high pressure steam cleaning, appears to be producing a good result.
There was never any question of anyone being opposed to ethnic minority food outlets. The Coventry Society in point of fact much appreciates this diversity whether it be in a conservation area or any area of the city. The issue is clear cut. Those of us concerned for the future of the area around the Cathedral are absolutely sure this historic quarter should be protected against unnecessary change in its frontages.
Fortunately a management plan for the Hill Top Conservation Area will soon be published and property owners in the area will need to make sure they have a copy. That should prevent this sort of problem arising in the future.