Telford tradesman cleans up vandalism after bus stop mural created to honour the dead is defaced for the second time
A local tradesman has cleaned up vandalism on a mural created on a Telford bus stop to honour the war dead - after it was defaced for the second time in two weeks.
The artwork on a bus stop in Grainger Drive, Leegomery, was created by local artist Neil Willis and features poignant Remembrance scenes with the Union flag, poppies, and soldiers.
It was first defaced with white paint overnight on November 21, prompting widespread sadness and disappointment among residents.
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After it was vandalised, the council worked with the artist to restore the shelter, ensuring the mural can continue to be enjoyed by the community.
However, on Monday (December 8) residents in Leegomery noticed the bus stop has been been vandalised again, with oil-based paint thrown over the mural.
Taking to social media, one resident said: “My grandad and his friends sacrificed themselves for this country. For what ?”
Another added: “Caused by cowards that don’t know what respect is.”
Thankfully Luke Harris, who runs Cedars Exterior Cleaning, a Shropshire pressure washing service, saw the vandalism and cleaned up the bus stop on Monday night.
Luke said: “After a recent act of vandalism, I couldn’t just leave it knowing it needed cleaning ASAP.
“I did the best I could with what I had, in the dark — making sure the colours of this beautiful artwork could shine through again.
“Honoured to help restore something that means so much to our community.”
West Mercia Police said officers are investigating the latest bout of vandalism.
A spokesperson said: "We are continuing to appeal for information after the bus shelter on Grainger Drive in Leegomery last month.
"Officers were also made aware that on Monday morning the bus shelter was vandalised a second time with paint.
"It is believed this incident occurred between 6pm Sunday, December 7 and 8.45am on Monday.
"Anyone with information about last month's incident or today's, please email Leegomery Safer Neighbourhood Team on hl.snt@westmercia.police.uk."
