The self-confessed ‘Green Pimpernel’ who has been busy repainting Royal Mail postboxes in the Huddersfield area has admitted to his guilt.
Although he is hiding behind anonymity, the so-called Yorkshire Banksy has written a garbled letter to ExaminerLive explaining his actions. So far several postboxes, mainly in the Lepton/Almondbury area have been repainted an apple green colour, but he has also repainted one on Imperial Road on the Marsh/Edgerton border- the area where it is thought he lives. The Royal Mail has been busy repainting them their traditional red.
The Pimpernel, thought to be an American, says he has “taken on the task of identifying dilapidated postboxes within Kirklees that have not seen a lick of paint for years, which I have been retiring to the original colour of green with a modern neon or turquoise twist. In its simplest form it is an artistic expression.” He has recently repainted two in Almondbury village and close to a cricket club on Kaye Lane.
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Locals had called for a police manhunt after the green postboxes first started popping up.
Kirklees Clr Bernard McGuin, (Con, Almondbury), said: “Perhaps I should check on Jake Mangelwurzel’s grave to make sure that he is still there as this is the type of thing he was known for. I think he would be chuckling at this and it is coming to his birthday. On a serious note, this is costing Royal Mail money every time to repaint them. Whoever is doing this should realise that the council is not responsible for this and I would urge them to stop doing it.
“If they are making a point about the state of the roads, although I sympathise, this is not the right way to do things. People have just had a democratic vote and, even though I might not like the results, it is important to respect the wishes of the electorate.
“I cannot apologise to people for something I have not done or endorsed. There have been a few ‘jokey’ comments about myself being responsible but I do not think upsetting the people living near these now multi-coloured monstrosities are laughing anymore. Enough is enough, whatever point this so-called Green Pimpernel is making is being lost.
“Another fear I have is that we are inspiring copycats to carry out more vandalism so I ask for vigilance from people and to report any suspicious activity near Royal Mail post boxes.”