Moves to secure the future of the “Taibach Banksy” in Port Talbot inched a step closer with confirmation that an agreement has been reached to house the artwork in the town’s new, award winning Ty’r Orsaf building on Station Rd.

A Neath Port Talbot Council spokesperson said:

“We are pleased to announce that Neath Port Talbot Council and Pobl Housing have agreed terms to let one of the commercial units at Ty’r Orsaf  be used to keep the Banksy on public display.

“This will commence when the artwork is moved from its present location at the end of May.

“The Council stands ready to assist Mr Brandler, the owner of the Banksy, in completing the formalities of the transfer to Ty’r Orsaf and the terms of a loan agreement and tenancy documentation have been sent to him for his consideration.

“The opportunity of longer term occupation of the units will remain, should a scheme for a larger contemporary art gallery provision at the same premises come to fruition.

“The Council Leader is now awaiting a response to his request for a meeting with the Welsh Government to discuss the future of the gallery proposal so a constructive way forward can be found that addresses the necessary financial, legal and technical issues that arise in any significant project of this type.”