Veterans 'hurt' as council paints over war mural

Veterans in Crawley have said it is "unbelievable" that the town's council has painted over a long-standing war mural which was a focal point for their community.

The mural in Tilgate Park was painted in 2018 to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Paul Gooderson, from the Crawley & Horsham Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club, said the mural was the only memorial in Crawley to accurately list all those from the area who lost their lives in the war.

But Crawley Borough Council said the artwork was "realistically beyond proper restoration", so it was painted over.

In 2018, when the mural was being painted, the council said on social media: "It's on view for all to see but if you want to see the artist at work, he will be here this Sunday and into next week to continue the painting."

Now, however, a spokesperson for the council said it never gave permission for the mural so the wall has been "put back to its original state".

Mr Gooderson called the decision "unbelievable".

"The veteran community is very upset and hurt, we go there every Bank Holiday Monday and this time we went there it had gone," he said.

"We have all served our country and the mural was a focal point for us to remember."

He added: "I want to know why they've done it. There's people missing from the other memorials, it was a true account of all the people who lost their lives."

The BBC understands the mural was painted over in February but veterans were not notified.

When asked why it had posted images of the mural being painted in 2018 but now claims it never granted permission for the work, the council declined to comment.

But the council spokesperson said: "We are fully committed to supporting our veterans and those serving in the forces.

"As a council we will be happy to work with any group to find an appropriate alternative location to pay tribute to our service personnel."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.