Labour stifle freedom of expression

10.50.00pm GMT Fri 23rd Dec 2005

Mike Barker, Focus editor for College ward, where the Arts Centre is located, has expressed his horror at the Labour Council's removal from display at the Arts Centre of paintings depicting High Row in Darlington.

"The Council's chosen contractors have already begun the destruction of the Victorian railings on High Row as part of their new 'pedestrian heart' scheme for the town centre. While I support the principle of pedestrianisation, the determination of the Council to rip out so much of our Victorian heritage - a plan opposed by so many people, including the Civic Trust - is typical of their determination to push dogmatically ahead with their plans in the face of public opposition.

"Now they are trying to remove images of High Row from public view - presumably because these paintings would serve to remind people of what is being destroyed. I viewed the exhibition at the Arts Centre before these paintings were removed. Local people enjoy seeing historical images of their town and I deplore this censorship by the Labour Council."

High Row, Darlington - an historical legacy, soon to be destroyed

Read the "Darlington and Stockton Times' story.

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Darlington & Stockton Times news story.