An insensitive and dastardly act of vandalism on parade

Published: 3 February, 2011

• I AM shocked by what I have seen at Horse Guards Parade. 

I cannot imagine a more dastardly act of vandalism applied to one of Europe’s finest public spaces. 

This is the latest of a succession of mindless insensitivities that the government and authorities have carried out, spoiling our heritage environment. It took many years to stop government offices using it as a car park. 

As a starting point, the structure should not be painted black – resulting in the maximum visual intrusion. 

It is well known that a grey colour would cause far less offence, generally, and particular in this instance. 

I recommend the colour be changed immediately. I wonder how the barriers outside New Scotland Yard have remained grey for so long, demonstrating a far less intrusive and much more attractive answer.

TOM BALL
AADipl RIBA DipCD MRTPI (Rtd) FRSA
SW1