Apology after Benjamin Zephaniah mural removed

Council highways sub-contractor Kier said it apologised "for any hurt or distress"

An apology has been issued by a council sub-contractor after a mural of the late writer, poet and actor Benjamin Zephaniah was painted over in Birmingham.

The authority said crews had been instructed to leave artwork within the underpass area in Hockley, but the protection order did not include outside walls where the painting was seen.

The city council added it would seek to add this particular section of the Hockley subway system to the order.

Its highways sub-contractor, Kier, said it apologised "for any hurt or distress we have caused by painting over this mural".

A spokesperson said crews were carrying out their standard duties and there was no "ill intent", but it accepted the upset "caused by our actions".

Kier said it was working with the council to review the graffiti removal process with a view "to ensure more sensitivity is demonstrated moving forward".

The sub-contractor said it would welcome the opportunity to work with the artist and provide supplies in order to "recreate artwork to represent Benjamin and his life".

Kier said there was "no ill intent" in removing the mural

The council said Kier inspected specific subways across the city every month.

When graffiti, other markings or paintings "are found on the subway walls, they will be removed", but Hockley subways were an exception, the authority added.

A spokesperson said it would seek to add a section in Hockley to the protection order "to further mitigate against this happening again in future".

Reacting to the removal of the mural, one person on Facebook said it was "disgusting", while another stated: "So sad. He was a mentor to help [people] on the right path. Benjamin deserves better."

Benjamin Zephaniah was born and raised in Birmingham

Zephaniah, from Handsworth, died at the age of 65 in December, eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Speaking on X, formerly Twitter, his wife Qian Zephaniah said: "Thank you all so much for the love that you showed Benjamin."

The council said crews had been given specific instructions to leave artwork within the underpass area