PLANS are afoot to create a new art gallery – in a campaigner s Ely home. Ted Coney, who campaigned vociferously against the closure of the Babylon Gallery, which is close to his Waterside home, has applied to the council planners to turn part of his own

PLANS are afoot to create a new art gallery - in a campaigner's Ely home.

Ted Coney, who campaigned vociferously against the closure of the Babylon Gallery, which is close to his Waterside home, has applied to the council planners to turn part of his own home into an exhibition space.

Mr Coney said: "It's a cross between a gallery a museum and an open studio, really."

He will conduct guided tours of the 300-year-old home on weekends for a small admission fee, picking up on the seasonal riverside tourist trade.

The former head of art at Hills Road Sixth Form College conceived the idea of a gallery based on his family history and relationships for many years, but decided not to carry out the plan until he had settled in to Ely life - Mr Coney and wife Hazel moved here two years ago.

A decision is expected by the end of August, but Mr Coney said: "If I get planning permission I won't be open until next April. I didn't think it would be appropriate with the Babylon Gallery and The Maltings closed - what I am doing with the Ted Coney Family Project is one small part of what should be an attractive area for the arts. The important thing is to have lots of things happening - that is what attracted us here and I hope that can happen in future."

A spokesperson for the district council said a decision on Mr Coney's application should be made by the end of the August.

With no public art gallery in Ely, where else can you go?

Babylon Gallery is available for local artists to hire. For rates, call 01353 616991.

Andrea Mellor Gallery, St Mary's Street. Currently showing a father and son exhibition of local landscape paintings.

Haddenham Galleries, High Street, Haddenham. A treasure trove of ethnic and modern art, some created by local people.

Old Fire Engine House Regular paintings and prints by regional artists.

Stained Glass Museum, Ely has creations by vibrant artist Anthony de Jong Cleyndert.

Seasonal exhibitions take place throughout the year - this week Art in Wood is at the Cathedral Centre, and Ely Art Society have work on display at the Hayward Theatre.

If you would like your exhibition or open studio listed in the Ely Standard, email catherine.atkinson@archant.co.uk or phone 01353 667831