Tooting woman receives over 1000 signatures in support of her NHS mural

A Tooting woman who has been ordered to take down her NHS mural has received over 1000 signatures in support of keeping it.

Susan Lazenby was contacted by her social housing provider Optivo Housing after they reportedly received a series of complaints from neighbours.

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

Charlie Watts, Miss Lazenby's son and creator of the petition, says that his mother has received conflicting information from Optivo.

A Spokesperson from Optivo said:

"We recognise and fully support our heroic NHS and their hard work, particularly over the last year. In the spirit of this, we agreed that the chalk drawn mural to celebrate our NHS, erected on a wall outside our properties in Gearing Close, could remain until the end of April 2021.

"However, the mural has been the subject of a number of complaints from local residents, who've asked for this to be removed, due to concerns that it could attract further graffiti in the area.

"Due to the sensitivity of this matter and given the current situation we're in, we're working with those involved to come to a mutual agreement on this matter."

Mr Watts says that his mother has not had official and direct confirmation that the mural can remain until the end of April.

Mr Watts continued: "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.

"The mural can then be washed down, and the occasion used as a celebration to signify the end of lockdown. We can hopefully celebrate the end of a tough 16 months and look forward to what the future holds."

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