MP teams up with local schools for mural competition

10.02.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 13th May 2009

Lib Dem MP John Leech is to team up with local schools for a competition to design a mural for the sluice gates at Sale Ees.

The gates, which were built to prevent flooding in the area, are frequently covered in graffiti. The Environment Agency (EA) has come up with the competition to make the gates more attractive, and at the same time to allow pupils to use their creativity to learn more about the local environment.

Each school will submit two designs, for the long and short edges of the gate. With the help of an artist, they will create murals involving themes of river usage and wildlife, such as fish and birds which live around the water. Once the designs are in, Mr Leech will join the EA's Regional Director, Tony Dean, in deciding which should be painted onto the sluice gates later in the year.

John Leech said:

"I'm really glad to be a part of this plan to improve the appearance of the sluice gates. I think the competition is a great idea, and the winning murals should make a significant difference - they'll make a welcome change from the graffiti that currently covers the gates."

"I'm looking forward to seeing the designs that the schools have come up with. I'm sure they will be vibrant and original."

<ENDS>

Notes to editors

The judging of the designs is to take place at John Leech's East Didsbury office on Friday, 22nd May, with the winning designs being painted onto the sluice gates by pupils of the four local schools that have taken part the competition later in the year.

The schools that are taking part in the competition are Brookburn Primary in Chorlton, Chorlton Park Primary School, Chorlton High School and Stretford Grammar School