Graffiti artist strikes again with 6ft tag on derelict pub

DISTINCTIVE SCRAWL APPEARS ON SIDE OF BUILDING IN SPON END

IT is the distinctive tag which has been plaguing the city for over a year - and after seemingly going quiet for a bit, the Smile graffiti artist is back and bigger than ever. This time he has sprayed his unique tag in six foot high letters across a derelict pub (right) on the way out of the city centre.

The Hamptons, previously the Butts Retreat, Spon End, has been shut for some time after going through many guises in the past decade. But its current derelict state seemed too good to ignore for the tagger, who has now targeted one of the building’s outer walls.

There were rumours circulating the tagger had been arrested, which could explain why it seemed to go quiet.

But having contacted West Midlands Police, they say with the information provided they are unable to find any arrests which match. However, the latest incident has riled some local residents.

“The pub looks bad enough anyway, sat there not being used,” one told the Telegraph. “But the graffiti just makes it look worse, like nobody cares about the area.”

The tag has proven divisive since it first cropped up in spring 2021. Some saw it as a light-hearted attempt to raise people’s spirits amid the tough times of the pandemic. Others saw it as wanton criminal damage. Coventry councillor Lindsley of the Longford ward falls into the latter camp.

He previously said: “Graffiti painted on unauthorised sites is unlawful and all-too-often destructive because of the difficulty and expense of removal. And sometimes the messages themselves can be hurtful.

“It is therefore an anti-social act that we cannot condone. If people who do this really want to make a mark, they can earn respect from us all through making useful contributions to the community, such as helping run food banks or activities for young people.”

Another resident previously told the Telegraph: “I personally love proper graffiti. They should put more effort in to the actual art and do it as a profession. However they do make me smile when I see them.”