Banksy's Name Taken in Vain on Kew Bridge

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Graffiti appears close to the genuine article

Graffiti has recently appeared on the side of Kew Bridge. Picture: Cllr Peter Thompson

November 13, 2024

A local councillor is calling for prompt action from the authorities after graffiti appear on Kew Bridge including what appears to be the name ‘Banksy’.

Although the artist has acknowledged that he created the mountain goat image on the Kew side of the bridge it is not believed he was responsible for this latest ‘street art’.

The bridge structure has been defaced on the side overlooking Strand on the Green and Cllr Peter Thompson, Leader of Hounslow Conservative Group and Chiswick Riverside councillor has called on the council to take prompt action.

“Banksy street art near Kew Bridge became a cultural landmark overnight, but this graffiti has to go. It’s not art. It is criminal damage and it creates a negative impression of the local neighbourhood. This vandalism has to stop. I cannot imagine that Banksy will be too impressed that someone has tagged Kew Bridge using his name!

“Graffiti removal isn’t cheap, especially for public bodies with limited resources and funding. Sorting this sort of thing out is draining funds from other resources, such as essential public services and projects. Let’s not forget, in the case of fixing public spaces, who foots the bill for that? The taxpayer, of course. I have asked the powers that be to remove this quickly and check the CCTV footage for any evidence to help catch those responsible.”

This is not believed to be an actual Banksy

It is believed that Transport for London (TfL) is the body responsible for the maintenance of the bridge and it has been contacted to ask when it will be removing the graffiti. Defacements on TfL roads, bus stops and traffic lights can be reported to it online.

For other cases in the borough, Hounslow Highways is the contractor used by the council for the removal of graffiti and its target is to remove non-offensive graffiti and flyposting within 7 days, and in 24 hours if it is considered offensive

Residents can report graffiti using an online form.

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