'Utterly distraught' Tooting woman ordered to wash away giant NHS mural

A petition has been started to save a Tooting woman's prized NHS mural that she spent lockdown chalking on to her home.

The mural was ordered to be washed away by Friday (2nd April) to make sure it doesn't attract 'further graffiti to the area'.

Susan Lazenby, resident of Gearing Close, began the mural during the first lockdown as she was shielding due previous heart conditions.

Miss Lazenby, unfortunately, had to give up her much-loved job as a teacher's assistant in a local primary school - as well as stay inside without grocery shopping, daily exercise and socialising.

Miss Lazenby started the mural to lift her spirits during lockdown and also show gratitude to the NHS staff that previously saved her life.

The mural was reportedly met with a flurry of positivity from people in the surrounding area, including a nurse who lives close by.

Despite the positivity surrounding the mural, Miss Lazenby confirmed that a neighbour made a series of daily complaints to her social housing provider Optivo Housing.

At the time of writing the petition, has received over 1000 signatures.

Mr Watts says that although Optivio Housing has confirmed in a statement that the mural can remain until the end of April - Miss Lazenby has not been informed directly.

He added: "In any case, we still do not believe that Optivo's decision is fair.

"We are petitioning for Mum's mural to remain until AT LEAST the end of lockdown on June 21st.

"We would really appreciate it if everyone could show their support on this matter by signing the petition."

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