THE demolition crews have started their work at the former Altrincham General Hospital site but I have heard no word about what will happen to the Mitzi Cunliffe relief sculpture which faces Market Street, 'The Healing Hands'.

Is it going to Sotherbys or in the skip?

Mitzi Solomon Cunliffe was an international artist of some note when this work was first commissioned in 1967-8 but it is not to everyone's taste.

No doubt the arguments waged against the value of Urban Art then will have been the same as those surrounding our new Totem.

Wouldn't it be ironic if the 'scrap' sculpture could raise enough money (or more) to pay for our new creative indulgence.

The Manchester-based sculptress famously designed the BAFTA award and her work in Heaton Park is 'listed'.

This example of her work will have a value. Time to get the art valuer in?

I'll put the first bid in.

£1,000!

Richard Blears. Hale