CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the ‘mindless desecration’ of a bus shelter in a village near Evesham have submitted a 400-strong name petition to the area’s district councillor.
Residents in Harvington have objected to a large scale development, which would include up to 200 new homes on land to the east of Evesham Road, after an application was put in to Wychavon District Council’s planning committee by Gladman developments.
And according to Mike Barbour, of Orchard Place, if proposals are approved one of the first casualties will be one of the bus shelters regenerated as part of a youth project in 2011.
The scheme, which was promoted and supported by the Parish Council, saw youngsters decorate the two plain brick stops with village scenes.
Mr Barbour said: “Whilst on first impression this may not sound so devastating (destroying the bus shelter) a closer look will find a very different picture.
“The resulting artwork has not only uplifted their appearance and been admired by one and all, but also given all the community, young and old, a sense of pride and ownership.
“Now with one stroke of the pen from a remote officer, and without consultation, the developer has seen fit to try and demolish and destroy this work forever under the euphemism of ‘relocation’.
“This petition has been launched to urge the council to stand firm and resist this mindless desecration.”
The petition, which has collected 424 signatures, was delivered to – and accepted by – Coun Charlie Homer, district councillor for Harvington, and Parish Council chairman Mark Steventon.
About 100 residents turned out in force on Sunday (January 25) at the Village Street shelter to welcome the objection.
Gladman Developments declined to comment on the proposals when contacted by The Observer.
