Loughborough businessman facing prosecution over Lego painting

The Loc8me and Peter Pizzeria owner is facing prosecution over the lego men on his wall, which have been deemed “graffiti”. 

Entrepreneur and Loughborough grad Raffaele Russo has been warned he faces prosecution if he does not remove, or seek planning consent, for the Lego Men on Leopold Street and another piece on Cumberland Road.

Russo said, in true Lufbra fashion, that he is happy to face prosecution rather than watch Charnwood Borough Council wash away his precious street art.

The street art in question, by Buber Nebz.

He told the Loughborough Echo: “They believe it is graffiti and disrupting neighbourhoods and I should apply for planning permission for each individual piece.

“There are a lot of creative people that are travelling far to see this graffiti. It is about trying to create a unique town.

“It is not just about hanging baskets.

“It is about talking about Loughborough positively. We have to find a balance between graffiti and street art.

“I am quite happy to be prosecuted.”

Plain, boring Loughborough

Mr Russo has big plans for Lufbra, with 25 more pieces planned with another 12 Lego Men scattered across the town for people to find.

In response to the street art which was created by graffiti artist Buber Nebz, a borough council spokesman said:“We are committed to ensuring the borough looks its best and that’s why there are rules in place to ensure any changes to the local built environment are done in the correct way and with the involvement of residents.

“If a piece of art is considered to be an advertisement then we are obliged to treat is as such.”

Russo wants to brighten up Loughborough

Russo is not alone in trying to give us a makeover as last week, the Loughborough Echo said that street artists are calling on the council for an open gallery in Southfields Park to promote local artists.

The council responded by saying they were currently speaking with both visitors of Southfields and local residents about the future of the park.

Dan, the street artist behind this work who is more commonly known as Buber Nebz told The Tab: “I feel it’s stupid that Mr Russo is being prosecuted because I believe he is improving Loughborough with his unique ideas.

“Without the art work, Loughborough would be plain and boring, nothing to make you smile as your walking to work, or to the shops.

“I think the council should be thanking him instead.”

With the “graffiti” in question make sure you go and see what all the fuss is about, but obviously keep an eye out for Loughborough’s notorious hanging baskets on your way.