'Utterly disgusting!' Labour-led council replaces WW1 mural with 'awful white-washed wall'

The decision was met by criticism from local residents after the mural was erected to mark 100-years since the end of the Great War.

The mural featured text saying "for the fallen" alongside silhouettes of soldiers.

Crawley, which was merely a large village when the war broke out, includes more than 100 names of its roll of honour.

Responding to Crawley Borough Council's decision, 74-year-old Crawley & Horsham Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club official Denise Reekie claimed the move had left her “disgusted”.

She said: “I was utterly disgusted. I just couldn’t believe it. It was such a talking point, and it was so visual.

“There was so much to see on there, and just to see a whitewashed wall was awful.

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“It was the only memorial in Crawley to accurately list all those in the area who lost their lives in the war.

“The people of Crawley are very upset about it. I personally believe that we will get that mural reinstated.”

Reekie also revealed a group of veterans had regularly visited the mural until the point it was removed.

The 74-year-old felt betrayed by the council, claiming Crawley had not consulted residents before taking the controversial decision.

A council spokesman said: “The mural on the side of the café in the walled garden was removed in February.

“It had been put up without permission several years ago, had fallen into disrepair and realistically was beyond proper restoration.

“We have a recognised history in Crawley of supporting all those who have served and who are currently serving to protect our country.

“As a council, we will be happy to work with any group to find an appropriate alternative location to pay tribute to our service personnel. We are fully committed to supporting our veterans and those serving in the forces.”