Campaigners are defending a pro-Palestine mural in Lowesmoor they say is at risk of being torn down by the council.
The mural appeared in Silver Street in March and honours the ‘heroes of Palestine’ - journalists Lama Jamous and Noor Harazeen, who have risked their lives to show the world what’s going on in Gaza.
It was created by artist Auberi Chen after a fundraiser was launched by campaigner Sam Iqbal on behalf of the Worcester Palestine Solidarity Campaign and art platform Creative Debuts.
But it now appears the mural is under threat.
The group UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) wrote to Worcester City Council to say the mural breached planning regulations and called for it to be removed.
UKLFI director Caroline Turner, in a letter to the council, said she was “extremely concerned” about the mural, adding: “The murals do not foster good relations between different communities and have proved divisive in the locations where they have been painted.”
Campaigners, artists and Worcester Green Party councillors joined together on Saturday (June 1) to defend the mural.
Landowners Munchies, the fast food restaurant, has been told it needs to seek retrospective planning consent or make changes to the mural so it no longer breaches regulations.
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“The ‘Heroes of Palestine’ collection of murals has always been intended to raise awareness and are peaceful political art statements,” said artist Auberi Chen.
“It seems a shame the council has been put under so much pressure to remove this mural from the UK Lawyers for Israel, who are clearly trying to censor freedom of expression and speech.
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“The beauty about painting art in public spaces is that it is subjective and some people might not like a certain subject matter or (as in this case) when it is political they might have a different view, but everyone is allowed an opinion and a voice.”
Campaigner and artist Sam Iqbal said: “This is not an advert but artistic expression and a celebration of the strength of humanity.
“There are multiple artworks across the city that actually do advertise products or services that have not had enforcement actions served on them - the double standard is very sad to see.”
City councillor Neil Laurenson said: “The failure to oppose the genocide in Gaza by the government and the so-called official opposition is a disgrace.
“The attempt to remove this mural is yet another act of inhumanity. After 76 years of occupation and nightmares beyond our comprehension, it is time for Palestine to be free and for people outside Worcester to accept that Palestinians deserve our solidarity and love.”
A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: “This is an ongoing planning enforcement investigation.
“We have confirmed to the site owner that the mural is an advert for planning purposes, it does not appear to benefit from any deemed consent or exemptions within the Advertisement Regulations. Its location in a Conservation Area is a relevant factor to its planning status.
“The owner could decide to submit a retrospective planning application to retain the mural as it currently is, or look to make changes to the mural to remedy the breach of planning control.
“We are waiting to hear what the site owner’s intentions are.”
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