MARISSA MacWhirter ("Clydeside isn't a 'ghetto' and its villains are not graffiti artists but uncaring private landlords", The Herald, September 27) highlighted one of Glasgow's biggest problems: who owns the Clyde? The article was prompted by architect Jude Barker and crime author Louise Welsh's investigation into derelict and unused land along the river that the city council can do nothing with because the landlords don't cooperate. It was a worthy piece. Unfortunately, prominence was given to a Glasgow councillor who is "still haunted" by a stroll along the Clyde, near to the now-defunct Virgin Hotel, because of the smell of hash and the graffiti.
Apparently some people told James Scanlon the painting was "hideous, tasteless, provocative and frightening", and he demanded action to "remedy this blight". I could not disagree more. This is street art, much of which is of the highest quality and enhances the stone walls, just as it does with more celebrated works on the gable ends of tenements in Glasgow.
I walked the same walk and posted pictures on Facebook. The response was extremely positive from around the world . If Councillor Scanlon has travelled to any of the great European cities he should know how street art is revered there.
I was in Valencia, Faro and Lisbon recently and was knocked out by the way they decorate their walls and even shop shutters. Councillor Scanlon should open his eyes and close his nostrils. Andy Stenton, Glasgow.
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