Labour: Tearing down Palestine mural would be provocative act

Labour’s Cllr Denham, in a joint statement with deputy leader Jabba Riaz, said expert legal advice is being sought over the future of the controversial ‘Heroes of Palestine’ mural.

The artwork was created in March by Auberi Chen after funding was found by campaigner Sam Iqbal, working on behalf of the Worcester Palestine Solidarity Campaign and art platform Creative Debuts.

STATEMENT: Jabba Riaz and Lynn Denham (Image: Submitted)

But now it is at risk of being torn down over a dispute as to whether it contradicts city planning policy.

Councillors Denham and Riaz said in a statement: “As ward councillors we have been working closely with council officers since the mural appeared in our city.

“Worcester has a proud history of street art, as evidenced by the recent exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery and Worcester Paint Festival. The mural in Silver Street is a moving representation of the freedom of the press in times of conflict.

“The creative arts have the power to make emotional connections and divide opinion. We have always worked hard to foster good relations between different communities, with Jabba's mantra of 'love not hate'.

“When the council received a letter from UK Lawyers for Israel calling for the mural to be removed, we urged officers not to take precipitate action and to consider the potential impact on community relations.

“We share the concerns of the majority of our residents about the appalling tragedy of the situation in Gaza. Removal of the mural would be a provocative act which we do not support.

“Lynn was contacted in mid-April by a representative from West Midlands Jewry as soon as they heard about the mural.

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“Once the Community Security Trust had actually seen the image, they were able to confirm that it 'doesn't appear to have any anti-semitic elements to it' and 'it is down to the property owner whether or not they wish to have political statements on their wall'. This advice was passed on to city council officers.

“There has been ongoing dialogue with the owners of the mural and the planning department since April, in order to identify if any planning regulations have been breached and, if so, how this might be resolved.

“The legal technicalities hinge on the fact that Lowesmoor is a conservation area and the definitions of an advert and of a cause. Expert legal advice has been sought which will inform council planning officers.

“We don't believe there is an imminent risk to the loss of the Heroes of Palestine. We understand some people may be frustrated that the legal uncertainty is not yet fully resolved.

“We will continue to work with officers to enable the council to fulfil its responsibility for planning issues, as well as community safety and support for cultural activities.”