1. West Country
  2. 3 updates

Banksy 'spy booth' mural torn down

A Banksy artwork painted on the side of a listed building in Cheltenham has been removed. The 'Spy Booth' depicted 1950s-style spies "snooping" on a phone box.

Live updates

Council ordered Banksy home owner to carry out 'urgent works'

Cheltenham Borough Council has said the authority had ordered the owner to carry out "urgent works" on the house.

They were designed to stop further deterioration of the listed building, make it weatherproof and stop the risk of falling render.

Mark Nelson, enforcement manager at the Borough Council, said removing any pieces would be classed as a criminal offence.

All that's left of the Banksy mural
All that's left of the Banksy mural Credit: ITV West Country

We have endeavoured to protect the Banksy as much as possible and to this end the notice required the owner to have due regard for the Banksy mural whilst works were being undertaken.

We were aware of loose render on that part of the building where this was situated but the extent and how far it would affect the mural was unknown until work progressed.

The owner has left pieces of the render with attached Banksy Spy Booth mural on it with the council whilst investigations are continuing.

We would advise anyone against removing any further pieces from the location as this may be classed as a criminal offence.

Until the investigation is complete we are unable to say what if any further action will be taken.

– Mark Nelson, enforcement manager at Cheltenham Borough Council
Banksy

Advertisement

Back to top

Latest ITV News reports