Conclusion of Banksy investigation

In carrying out remedial works to stop the further deterioration of the building, as required by the enforcement notices served on the owner, the render containing the "Banksy" crumbled and cracked into pieces. The council is satisfied that the owner’s contractors had made every reasonable effort to save the mural from damage.

The mural was not salvageable, as large areas of the external render to the building were defective. Over time, the render had shrunk and cracked allowing damp to penetrate and leading to the render becoming loose.

The primary reasons that repair notices were served on the owner were as follows:

• to require remedial works to be carried out, preventing the physical deterioration of a Grade 2 listed building; and
• as there was render that had become loose and un-keyed, this was assessed to pose a risk to the public from falling masonry

The council regrets that it was not possible for the Banksy to be retained as public art, but this proved impractical due to the overall condition of the building. Any feasible action against the owner in relation to the Banksy would not be proportionate, or in the public interest.

For media enquiries, contact: Jemima Lawson, communications officer, telephone 01242 775050, email [email protected]