Artwork rumoured to be ‘Banksy’ has been found in Bridgwater

Questions have been raised over who is behind a ‘Banksy’ style mural which has appeared on the side of the old Bingo Hall in Mount Street.

The striking street art features a spaceman and a single flower.

Suspected Banksy artwork in Bridgwater features a spaceman and a singular flower. (Image: Contributed) It is thought that the Bristol-born mysterious artist has come to Somerset before as back in 2012, some artwork was also in Banksy’s style painted under a bridge in the Taunton town centre.

Locals suggested he was seeking revenge over then-Taunton Mayor Steve Brooks’ criticism of him in 2011.

Mr Brooks was unhappy when vandals plagued a town war memorial in September, and he blamed Banksy’s influence on youngsters.

Speaking at the time after the new artwork appeared near the town’s Morrisons store next to the River Tone, Mr Brooks said: “I’ve been down there and it’s very good.

 “I’m not sure whether it is Banksy or not, but he has a lot to answer for because it’s not good for kids unless it’s done in the right way by getting permission.”

As of right now, the artwork in Bridgwater has not been added to Banksy’s official website so it is unconfirmed that it is his work.

Local residents are said to be delighted with it, the work has been done very discreetly in a location that is central and also, unlike unsightly tagging, it actually adds to local culture rather than taking anything away.

Self-entitled Banksy expert and Bridgwater resident Pete Bryant said: “Though it’s not going to be to everyone’s taste, it is causing a stir amongst local residents and putting a smile on passers-by’s faces.

“Being a self-entitled Banksy expert, if this is a Banksy it should be preserved and kept forever, if it’s not, other artists should get their own ideas as Banksy invented street art and graffiti.”