NOW that the pink eye mural is going to have advertising signs over it, I would like to have the opportunity to say how I feel, as the artist, about the demise of this landmark.

Over the years it has become a talking point for visitors and locals alike about why the building has been painted in this way.

Walking Day marks its anniversary; seven years has passed since I started painting the 110 feet Mill Tower.

The eye with a tear is a symbol of frustration and missed opportunity brought about by the planning debacle, which I experienced.

The original mural (marine scene) was linked to Agenda 21, which is about alertness to our wider environment through the work of local people.

It was only when I had a meeting with the borough council planning department after painting the eye that I received an apology, the planning fee back and also a written notice saying I did not need planning permission in the first place.

The marine scene would have been a beautiful landmark for the town, as it would have linked us to our wider environment, which is being threatened through climate change and global warming.

These issues are not always in our consciousness as we go through our daily lives but the 110-foot marine mural would have made us think about our environment that bit more.

Local governments and world leaders are banging the drum quite rightly about climate change and global warming and there are people trying to make a difference.

No wonder we have a pink building which is crying, and soon there will be a patch over it -perhaps no longer making us think why.

So there is more to the eye with a tear than a pink building if only you can look behind the advertising.

ANTHONY TURK

Old Hall