Artist claims neighbours slashed his tyres in ‘campaign of harassment’ after he turned his house into giant mural – as locals blast ‘dreadful, childlike’ art
- Toby Garrett claims his mural has resulted in a campaign of ‘harassment’
An artist claims his tyres have been slashed and he has been abused by neighbours after turning his home into a giant mural.
Toby Garrett claims his colourful painting on his house in Sedbury, west Gloucestershire has resulted in a campaign of ‘harassment’ from locals.
He says he recently returned home from work one day to find his tyres slashed – costing him £94 to repair.
The artist also claims a woman began ‘having a go’ at him while he was painting despite him asking her to leave – and says he called the police.
But Mr Garrett said the situation worsened as he became victim of an alleged campaign of social media harassment by the woman’s son.
A bizarre feud has gripped a quiet village where an artist claims his tyres have been slashed after turning his home into a giant mural
Toby Garrett, 40, painted multi-coloured patterns and a cartoon around his home to liven up the neighbourhood
Toby Garrett claims his colourful painting on his house in Sedbury has resulted in a campaign of ‘harassment’
David Nichol, spoke to the South Wales Argus to give his side of the story, telling them: ‘I lost it on Facebook because he said stuff about my mum, but when the police came round they were biased in favour of him.’
He claims it was Mr Garrett who lost his temper and began turning his house into a mural after residents got the council involved, saying the deeds to Mr Garrett’s house ‘clearly state that he can’t paint the brickwork’.
Mr Garrett has hit back saying he has not seen any proof that what he is doing is illegal.
He says the feedback on his creativity has been largely positive.
But Mr Nichol is reportedly one of around 20 residents who are opposing the artist’s work.
One, who has not been named, said: ‘We don’t want the street turned into a ghetto.’
Mr Nichol previously told the Sun the art was ‘dreadful’ and ‘basic, childish artwork,’ adding: ‘It’s not very well-liked.
‘It’s a bit of a snowball situation. I think he’s trying to prove a point but it’s to the disadvantage of the neighbours.’
He said he worries it will put people off buying in the area and reduce house prices.
Mr Garrett was previously ordered to take down his unusual greenhouse and garden fence by council officials.
Mr Garrett was previously ordered to take down his unusual greenhouse and garden fence by council officials
A Forest of Dean District Council Spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Forest of Dean District Council is aware of the matter regarding a neighbour dispute in respect of a mural at Buttington Road, Sedbury and the case is currently under investigation.
‘As the investigation is ongoing, we will not be making any further comment at this time.’
MailOnline has also contacted Gloucestershire Police for comment.
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