Retro whitewash wall has many talking

THERE has been a mixed reaction to the 'whitewashing' of the wall at the old convent end of Castle Street, Castlebar, as part of a Tidy Towns initiative to make the county town a brighter, cleaner, more attractive place.

Some think the whitewashed look is a bit too retro, catapulting us back to the old days of whitewashed barns and cottages.

Others take a contrary view, that the white wall is attractive and brightens up Castle Street on the winding approach to the Mall.

The wall itself is a historic structure. Recently, a plaster façade was removed revealing fine cut stone underneath which was quite attractive to behold.

Maybe there should be a local referendum on what looks better - original cut stone or a painted surface.

I've a feeling the result could veer in favour of dropping the whitewash but I could be mistaken. Maybe we'll conduct a little poll on the issue.