Public art destroyed by the Town Hall

Published: 6 May, 2010

• HAVING lived in Kentish Town for more than 20 years, I have been delighted to see the place livened up by colourful art on shop shutters and drab walls. 
I was glad to see that the New Journal (April 29) brought to light the disturbing recent activities of the council in destroying this art by painting it over, without authorisation from the owners. 
You mention two pieces by Mr P that have been vandalised this way and the council’s response that, in one case “the occupant” was happy for the wall to be cleaned. The “occupant” was a shop worker and not the owner. 
I know that the owner gave his permission for this commissioned piece of work and did not give his permission to the council for it to be destroyed. 
Can we have an assurance from the council that it will cease this, probably illegal, destruction of commissioned art without permission? 
The council might also consider compensating the owners of the properties who commissioned the art.
SUSAN MICHIE
Lady Somerset Road
NW5