A COUPLE of weeks ago I was shopping in Newent and noticed that the Youth Café had recreated a Banksy image in its window. Along with many other folk, I am very much a fan of Banksy's work. Indeed, his recent exhibition at Bristol in the museum was massively attended, with queues of four hours to get in. The image in question is thought provoking on many levels and, as such, is a successful work of art.

The next time I was in Newent I noticed it had been taken down – which I assumed was to do with the Jubilee celebrations and I went on my way, pondering the small minded nature of some people. After all, if you think the image insults Her Majesty the Queen, you must by default think she looks like a monkey, otherwise you would never make the connection!

I then read in the Newent Forester that the Cafe had had its funding cut by £4,000 as a result and I was shocked and appalled. The Newent Initiative Trust should realise that a civilised society encourages debate and freedom of expression and that this sort of censorship should have no place in a democracy.

The Newent Initiative Trust have made themselves look foolish. They should reinstate the grant money to the café immediately and apologise for their churlishness.

Rick Owen

Aston Ingham