Mysterious chalk markings in Montpellier cause intrigue
MYSTERIOUS chalk markings have appeared in Montpellier, leaving residents and traders scratching their heads.
The pink and white marks depicting a 20mph speed limit sign, a heart and the initials RA inside circular shapes were left on the road surface over the last few weeks.
They aroused the curiosity of former Echo reporter Max Wilkinson who sent in the photographs.
"The first I spotted was the 20 sign, which I thought might be somebody suggesting lower speed limits, because it looked just like a speed sign. Then I saw a couple of hearts in Montpellier – I think around Valentine's Day.
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"The latest is more mysterious. What does RA stand for? Somebody must know what it all means."
He offered some possible answers as to the motivation for the mystery chalk drawings. "Is there a rogue chalk artist looking for love and lower speed limits?
"Was the public engaging with the Echo's 'love month'?
"Who can say? But I'm sure people would be interested to know the truth," he said.
Traders were also unable to shed any light on the markings.
Susan Crownshaw, who runs Cheltenham Kitchener, in Queen's Circus, said: "I did spot the markings, but I must confess I don't have a clue what they are about.
"I wondered if they were perhaps the clues to a treasure hunt or some sort of love message which only the person with the initials RA could understand.
"It is certainly very intriguing."
The markings come as more space in the town is being sought by graffiti artists to exercise their talents.
A Gloucestershire schoolboy, who calls himself Flava and does not want his real name to be revealed, has called on more space for people like him to use for spray painting.
The 15-year-old said: "Some people think it's vandalism, but to me it's definitely art."
However, it is doubtful whether these entries would qualify as art – even among Flava and his pals.
â Are the chalk drawings your work? If so contact the Echo newsdesk on 01242 278081 and tell us your story.
4 Comments
by Wassisname
Thursday, March 07 2013, 10:39AM
“I doddled at work once and had to go home and get changed.”
by geraint2010
Thursday, March 07 2013, 10:29AM
“No news here and graffiti has been going downhill since Kilroy died!”
by rtruth
Thursday, March 07 2013, 10:16AM
“ummmm i did this when i was at school! We used to draw lots of things with chalk, not really sure what the point of article is!
Next it will be, Someone doddles at work....is this art?”
by Wassisname
Thursday, March 07 2013, 10:02AM
“Right ****?..................with a bit of chalk.”