Mystery of new Coventry tagger as wildlife mural 'painted over'

[dutchman]

It has appeared under the bridge over the brook between Nod Rise and Winslow Close



Mystery surrounds the appearance of a new Coventry tagger after a wildlife mural was 'painted over'. The new 'tag' was spotted by locals in the Eastern Green area.

One contacted CoventryLive to say it had emerged under the bridge over the brook between Nod Rise and Winslow Close. There is a now a large black area, where a mural was once painted, with the words 'Pusher'.

Also, on a wall that leads to the underpass is a tag that reads @pusherglobal as well as the words 'I'm Always Pushing'. It has left locals to wonder who is behind the tag.

It is not the first time the city has seen the appearance of a 'tagger'. For years, the unique tag 'smile' was spotted sprayed on walls, shop shutters and fences in areas including Longford, Wyken, Walsgrave and Coundon, among others.

At one point, the 'smile' tagger was caught on CCTV camera, and their handiwork split opinion across the city. The graffiti was first spotted in the city in 2021 and then emerged again in 2023.

Coventry City Council often cleared up the tag, only to find more emerged. It led to some councillors to urge the artist to stop.

[dutchman]

Vandalised mural to be repainted



A vandalised mural in Coventry is set to be repainted, with the local community encouraged to get involved.

The wildlife painting, featuring ducks among flowers and greenery, was targeted under the brook bridge near Winslow Close, in Eastern Green, last month.

It was covered in black paint with the words "pusher" written across it in capital letters and an Instagram tag.

The Sherbourne Valley Project said the original artist Michael Batchelor would lead a repainting effort on 29 August, with members of the community urged to come along and help.

The group, led by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, said places were limited and encouraged people to book.

The artwork, costing several thousand pounds, was originally commissioned by the wildlife trust in 2024, and created with help from the local community.

Jordan Davies, from the organisation, said in July that he felt "equally disappointed and surprised" by the graffiti.

At the time, councillor Jayne Innes described the damage as "a wanton act of vandalism" and encouraged anyone with information to contact the police or her directly.

Responding to news it would be repainted, she thanked Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the artist.