Has street artist Banksy left his mark on ‘toxic’ row over Merseyside beach?

Artworks originally thought to be by street artist Banksy have popped up in a town divided over a “toxic” beach row.

Two pieces of art have appeared in recent weeks starting debate in the Wirral town of Hoylake about whether the world-famous artist was getting involved in a debate over the beach’s future.

The issue has split the town since Wirral Council stopped spraying weed killer on the beach and clearing it in 2019. The council is now developing two options on how to manage the beach in the future but some are still unhappy.

Both artworks are on the beachfront. One shows an ostrich with its head in the sand with a small bird singing on top. Another shows a small child on a phone next to a bucket and spade with a seagull on top.

It has now been revealed in a video and series of posts on Instagram that Zedsy, not Banksy, are behind the artwork. Their artwork has appeared in the Tate Modern and the Louvre.

People in Hoylake, on both sides, have praised the art for being open to interpretation as well as drawing more attention to the town. Originally from Greater Manchester, Zedsy explained the meaning behind the artworks.

They said: “The artwork doesn’t really take a side. Normally I prefer not to sit on the fence. It’s much better getting off the fence and painting on it but in this case the future of the beach should be left to the local residents.

“The artwork hopefully just brings a bit more attention to the topic and highlights the debate. As with all art, the final interpretation should always be left to the viewer – unless it’s abstract art. I don’t think anybody knows what that stuff means.

“I’m glad to hear the artworks have come across as somewhat coherent. It’s a bit surprising as my work is usually painted as carelessly as possible.”

Although not from Merseyside, the artist said: “When I heard there was a debate raging in Merseyside that didn’t involve Liverpool or Everton, I had to see it for myself.

“The only issue you have is turning up to a beach and it looking more like a park. Some people might say that falls under false advertising.”

On whether we could expect more artworks in the future, Zedsy said this was unlikely, adding: “There isn’t really much else to contribute on my behalf plus the wall space is a bit limited around that area.”