UPDATE: Tolworth community mural unable to be saved from ‘offensive’ graffiti says TfL

Transport for London (TFL) says the removal of a community mural along Tolworth Roundabout’s underpass was due to offensive graffiti, and “was not related to the Tolworth roundabout project”. In a statement released yesterday evening, 25 April, TfL explained how the removal of the graffiti would not have been possible “without further damaging the mural”. The aquarium-themed mural, known as Triassic Tolworth Aquarium, depicted a number of animals from the Triassic period to mark International Dinosaur Month in April 2022. However the artwork was “cleaned” by TfL early this week, with Robin Hutchinson, the founder of local charity The Community Brain who commissioned the work, calling their behaviour “another act of cultural vandalism”. While some local residents were quick to blame Kingston Council, TfL has confirmed that they are responsible for the mural’s removal. Mr Hutchinson says he was contacted by TfL yesterday, 25 April, and has been promised a meeting on Tuesday 30 April to discuss the future of the underpass. “I hope we can resolve the issue in a way that brings beautiful art back into the area,” he said. Mr Hutchinson expressed concern that TfL did not first contact the charity when the offensive graffiti was found,...