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Mural of 19th Century engineer painted over after appearing on wall

Lewis SmithLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageLDRS A mural of Isambard Kingdom Brunel on the side of a building. He wears a top hat, waistcoat and coat, with a cigar in his mouth, and stands in front of a railway track and a bridge. Above the bridge are the words 'welcome to Llansawel/Briton Ferry'. LDRS
The property owner said they were surprised to find a mural painted on their building

A mural of a 19th Century engineer which appeared on the side of a building has been painted over after the owner said they were not asked for permission.

The image of Isambard Kingdom Brunel was done by artist Steve Jenkins on a property on Neath Road in Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot, and was funded and unveiled by Neath Port Talbot councillor Gareth Rice earlier this year.

But the owner said no-one had contacted them about the plan and the painting came as a shock.

Brunel, who is described as one of the most "versatile and audacious" engineers of his time, built Briton Ferry Dock to handle coal and goods for the Vale of Neath Railway.

News imageLDRS A wall, which once bore a mural of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, painted white LDRS
The picture, by artist Steve Jenkins, has now been painted over

Rice said on social media last month he believed he had sought and received permission but accepted the mural would have to go, before it was painted over this week.

The councillor added that he was disappointed, but respected the owner's right to do what they wanted with their property.

There was potential, he said, for him to find another site for a mural.

Jenkins, known as Jenks Art, is also behind a mural of Eastenders' character Dot Cotton and a Welsh dragon which left some people scratching their heads in Carmarthenshire.