Friday 30th May 

Children give Eco Town developers the brush off

Hanley Grange Art Exhibition Launch

50 Children armed with just paintbrushes and crayons are joining the campaign against Tesco’s proposed Eco Town at Hanley Grange in South Cambridgeshire.

Pencils, crayons and paint are being deployed to give the thoughts and emotions of children aged 3-11 a hearing above the rising chorus of battle cries from the grown ups - their parents and the developers.

“The quality of the artwork from such young children is really inspiring. They just sat down, thought about it and produced some stirring images which have genuine resonance” said Sarah Austin one of the organisers.

“It speaks volumes about the children’s deep feelings about the fate of all the wildlife if bulldozers are allowed to tear up 1200 acres high quality farmland.”

Dozens of local mums decided to do their bit for the cause as villagers begin to escalate their campaign to save the farmland from becoming one of the Government’s first experimental Eco Towns.

“It started as a trickle but soon became a steady flow of pictures as word spread round Whittlesford, Great Shelford and Sawston” said another mum who declined to be named. “The competition just seemed to catch everyone’s imagination.”

The pictures go on display today at The Whittlesford Art Gallery at 3.30pm. The competition winners will be announced at 4.00pm. Many of the young artists will also be available for press comment as well. - ENDS -

Notes:

1. The Hanley Grange Children’s Art Exhibition runs from 13-20 June 2008

2. At: Whittlesford Art Gallery, High Street, Whittlesford, Cambridge