A leading Yorkshire MEP has won his campaign to ensure that new European rules on paint safety will not prevent traditional materials being used for the restoration of the region’s historic buildings.
David Bowe, who is Labour’s Environment spokesperson in the European Parliament, has welcomed the approval by MEPs of proposals which will phase out the use of solvents and other products which pose environmental and health dangers—including affecting ozone levels and increasing the risk of asthma.
However, he says that the Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, has recognised that there needs to be exemptions for traditional paints used for important restoration work—for example on vintage motor vehicles and historic buildings.
Explains David Bowe “These measures clearly make sense in striking the right balance between protecting public health and the environment—and ensuring that consumers still have access to a wide choice of paint products.
“I took up the issue of materials needed for restoration work after being approached by organisations such as English Heritage and also seeing for myself how they are used when I met with Charles Hesp, who is based near York and is one of the country’s leading restorers—amongst the buildings he has helped to bring back to their former glory are Harewood House, Temple Newsham, St Paul’s Cathedral, Warwick Castle and numerous National Trust properties.
“He explained to me that in many circumstances restorers have to use materials as close to those available when the buildings were constructed hundreds of years ago because more modern paints simply do not create the right effect.
“I believe that the vote in the Parliament will help to ensure that Charles and other skilled craftsmen will be able to continue using the best possible materials for their very important and valued work.”
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