Walter accused of going a bridge too far while Hornets were in market for trouble
40 years ago OFFICIALDOM ‘saw red’ over artist Walter Kershaw’s attempts to brighten up a bridge.
The renowned painter had ‘touched up’ the coat of arms on the river bridge in Albert Royds Street as part of the ‘brighten up Rochdale’ scheme.
But Coun Norman Weall described the work as ‘unsightly and not inkeeping with surroundings’.
He added: “I think it is wrong.
“The bridge was reasonably pleasing before it was painted.
“To me it shouts and is not in the least bit attractive.”
Walter told the Observer he was “sorry officials took a dim view of the work”.
He added: “We don’t want to offend anybody, but we want to improve the eyesores in Rochdale and I think we are succeeding.” FEARS were raised that Rochdale Hornets’ plans to launch a Sunday market at the Athletic Grounds home might draw trade away from the town centre.
One councillor said
if the move was approved Rochdale AFC might try to open a market at Spotland.
Hornets had already had planning permission turned down, but were appealing the decision.
Coun D Walker said: “People have a certain amount of money to spend. If they spend it at Hornets’ market, our market will suffer.”