Network Rail has decided to protect artwork at the Jewellery Quarter station in Birmingham, by putting a protective screen over the artwork.
The artwork shows two reindeer pulling a bench on Vyse Street and was created by the infamous Banksy.
The artwork highlights the crisis of homelessness at Christmas, and as a response, Network Rail decided to protect the painting from vandalism.
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What did the officials say?
David Golding, interim route managing director for Network Rail's Central route, said:
“As a railway family our hearts go out to the homeless, especially at this time of year. Banksy's wall art has captured their plight so well. It's right we protect it so everyone can see it.”
“We discourage any graffiti and we spend a lot of time removing it from around the network … but it's not every day we get a bona fide Banksy.”
Luke Crane, executive director, Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District, said:
“We are delighted that Banksy has chosen the Jewellery Quarter as his location for his latest piece of art. It really is an early Christmas present – not just for the Jewellery Quarter community, but for the city of Birmingham. But this gift brings with it a very strong message – a timely reminder that we must not forget those in need, especially over the Christmas period.”
“We have an opportunity here to put Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter firmly on the map, as the leading light in ending the homelessness crisis that is blighting our inner cities”.
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It’s vandalism, clean it off