Table of Contents
A removal notice issued last week on a New Brighton art installation sparked outrage after Wirral Council ordered a painted van to be classified as an abandoned vehicle.
The artwork was part of the OpenAir Gallery in Victoria Quarter. It was installed as a creative piece by Ukrainian artist Dmytro Davies-Syov and is widely regarded as one of the most photographed installations in the area, according to the Wirral Globe.
The van features painted yellow road markings and was controversially hit with an abandoned vehicle notice on June 4 under the Refuse Disposal Amenity Act 1978. The notice required the van to be removed from its spot within seven days.
The council's decision proved unpopular with New Brighton Futures CIC, who complained to the council and accused the authority of targeting a recognised piece of public art.
Director of the organisation, Rory Wilmer, described the move as “vexatious” and criticised the council for what he said was a contradiction between promoting the area for tourism while threatening creative work that contributes to it.
He also argued that council resources would be better spent on local services, adding that the installation formed part of wider regeneration efforts in the town’s cultural quarter.
The organisation confirmed its plans to submit a Subject Access Request and a Freedom of Information request to establish how the complaint was made and who was responsible.
Thankfully, the situation didn't turn ugly. Wirral Council later confirmed they backed down from any enforcement action after being informed the vehicle was part of an artwork collection and was not abandoned.
A council spokesperson said the owner made contact to clarify the situation, adding that no further action would be taken.
The U-turn came with just one day remaining on the notice period, ending a brief but heated dispute over the treatment of public art in New Brighton.
On the result, Wilmer expressed relief and confirmed there will be a "full summer programme of street art activities" that the van will be part of.
Well, sometimes art wins.
