‘Lest We Forget’ — Crawley Council Slammed For Painting Over War Mural

A row has erupted in Crawley after a much-loved war mural in Tilgate Park was painted over — sparking anger among veterans and a petition demanding answers.

The artwork, created in 2018 to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, had become a focal point for remembrance.

At the time, it was even promoted by the council with the hashtag #lestweforget, encouraging people to watch the artist at work.

But earlier this year, Crawley Borough Council covered the mural with paint, claiming it was “beyond proper restoration” and pointing out that official permission had never been granted in the first place.

That decision has not gone down well. More than 300 people have signed a petition demanding the mural’s return, which will now be considered by councillors on Wednesday, October 8.

The petition calls not only for the mural to be repainted, but also for a £10,000 donation to an armed forces charity — taken directly from councillors’ allowances — as an apology.

It also demands a “full and honest explanation” of why the tribute was erased.

In a report ahead of the meeting, the council argued the Walled Garden in Tilgate Park was “not the right place for a mural”, but said it is in talks with veterans’ groups about how best to commemorate service and sacrifice in Crawley.

Those discussions are ongoing, but campaigners say the removal of the mural has already left a lasting mark.