Comdian Johnny Vegas is backing a campaign to save a huge public artwork which is under threat.
The star unveiled a 80-foot-long ceramic mural on the side of Hulme library nine years ago.
People in Hulme fear it could be lost as part of a proposal to close the library and are trying to get it listed by English Heritage.
Manchester council is currently holding a public consultation into the future of the city’s library service.
Johnny, who studied ceramics at university and is still a keen potter, said: “I’d be really disappointed if the mural was damaged or lost due to the closure of the library.
“It’s a fantastic piece of artwork that should be enjoyed by the local community for many years to come.”
The £20,000 mural, made with two tonnes of clay, cannot be removed from the building on Stretford Road without being severely damaged.
Created by ceramics students at Hulme Adult Education Centre to celebrate the millennium, it took two years to make and shows Hulme’s history from Roman times to the present day.
Campaigners staged a clean-up of the artwork ahead of a, upcoming visit by representatives from English Heritage. They will also launch an online petition.
Volunteer Callum Harvey said: “We are worried if this library is closed the building could be demolished and the mural lost.
“We are desperate to save it - it’s a fantastic piece of art.”
Ceramics teacher Brigitte Saltau said: “There is a consultation going on at the moment about the library and a question mark over the building.
“This is a major piece of public art and a significant record of the history of Manchester – we want it to be a lasting tribute.
“We’re trying to think of different ways to make sure it isn't lost and are in discussions with English Heritage.”
Proposals to close Hulme library and adult education centre, which the council says is ‘large and costly’, would see services moved to The Zion Centre or Moss Side Leisure Centre.
Neil MacInnes, head of libraries at the council, said: “No final decisions have been taken about the future of Hulme Library which is part of a wider consultation being carried out at the moment into Manchester's library provision.
“We are aware of concerns about the mural and will be taking them into consideration as part of this process.”
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This is a scare mongering ploy by Green followers in Hulme once again. The mural is going nowhere what so ever. The library could be moving into the nearby Zion centre which is yards away. Whatever comes of the building even if it turns into a pub/flats/shops/offices etc the mural will be staying put and it is not in any danger at all of being damaged or destroyed.
The Greens come up with a ploy every now and again in Hulme, only weeks ago they put out on leaflets that the Hulme adventure playground was closing due to the cuts and brought tears to local children’s eyes only for Hulme Labour Councillors saved the playground.
Now they have turned to the mural on Stretford Rd.
Things they have scare mongered in Hulme and Manchester over the years.
The Birley Tree. The Birley Fields. MMU Development. The Arch Bar. Chaining themselves at Manchester Airport. Now the Mural. As for Johnny Vagas he is from St Helens and has no connection with Hulme, I Don’t think he knows where Hulme is?
Just read this quote under your picture>>>The mural outside Hulme Library on Stretford Road is under threat after council plans to demolish the building.
Nobody has ever said that the building will be demolished. That building was built in the mid 1960s where do you get your info from?