‘Drunk halfwit’ tries to attack Banksy mural day after protective screen fitted

An alleged ‘drunk halfwit’ tried to attack the newest Banksy mural last night.

The painting ‘Season’s Greetings’ has been under 24-hour guard ever since the anonymous artist confirmed the piece was his own work last week.

Yesterday a protective screen was fitted to artwork on the wall of the garage in Taibach, Port Talbot as visitors from across the country visited the area.

But according to Wales Online, this did not deter one culprit who allegedly tried to damage the painting.

A post on the Neath Port Talbot Life Facebook page stated that fencing surrounding the artwork was pulled down.

Then a man is said to have attempted to damage the mural before he was chased away by a security guard and police were called.

The post read: "Some drunk halfwit has tried to pull the fencing down and the protection glazing at the Banksy artwork tonight.

"The security guard chased him off and police were called.

"This art is for Port Talbot, Neath and surrounding areas. We do not want it wrecked. Please Share. Thanks All."

Police are attempting to confirm the incident.

Yesterday afternoon a protective screen was fitted to artwork on the wall of the garage in Taibach, Port Talbot, while visitors from across the country visited the area on Saturday.

The painting has been under 24-hour guard ever since the anonymous artist confirmed the piece was his own work last week.

Interest in the piece has led to considerable congestion in the area, prompting Neath Port Talbot Council to post two members of staff at the site to advise the public on where to park.

Earlier this week the owner of the garage Ian Lewis told Wales Online he hadn’t slept for two days since learning Banksy had used his garage for his latest canvas.

Mr Lewis said he was considering putting up a screen to help protect the piece.

He said: "It’s getting a little bit out of hand actually. I am a bit worried about it. Some of the residents are complaining because you are getting people who don’t know the area driving down and turning around in the road.

"I’m not sure what we are going to do. Some people tell me it’s worth something, others say it’s just a bit of street art.

"We’ve got security there and it will remain there for the time being while we work out what we are going to do."

National Assembly member for the south Wales west region Bethan Sayed posted on her Facebook page asking for people’s opinion about what should be done with the artwork.

The Plaid AM asked whether people thought the piece could be left where it is under the care of the owner of the garage, bought by the Welsh Government and maintained as a national site, or become part of a gallery in Port Talbot where it could be displayed.

"The talk of Port Talbot is the confirmed Banksy that has appeared on a garage wall in Taibach," she wrote.

"This has led to not only local excitement, but global interest in the town, with visitors flocking to see the piece of street art.

"I think this is a special opportunity for us to discuss what happens next, and how we can make the most of this for the town and its people.

"Tourism can be utilised from this Banksy appearance, that’s for sure."

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