by Brian Haran

brian.haran@essnmedia.co.uk

A masterpiece by a cult artist or the latest piece of urban graffiti? A new face attracting attention has sharply divided opinion.

A four-foot figure of a distinguished-looking woman in tears appeared on the side of a derelict car showroom in Chaldon Road, Caterham, this week. It has surprised and delighted many passers-by.

And one man insists it might be the work of secretive guerrilla artist Banksy, whose graffiti-style artwork has appeared on the walls of buildings across the country.

Ambulance driver David McGleenon, of Ryelands Close, Caterham, said: "I've got a book of Banksy's works and this looks very like his.

"It would be a shame if the council removed it or some local thugs defaced it.

"It not only fits in with Banksy's style, but has been done secretly in the night on the side of a derelict building, which is how he operates.

"If it is his, it would put Caterham on the map because the area certainly has some drab parts.

"Maybe the tears are a sign of the demolition locally in the recession [such as the Pinewood MG Rover car showroom in Chaldon Road knocked down 18 months ago]."

The face received a mixed, but largely-favourable, reaction from the Caterham public, who did not want to see it targeted by the council's graffiti-busting teams.

Grant Pattison, 46, of Milner Road, said: "I like it. It's not like someone has just sprayed a wall. The council should leave it alone.

Gillian Jones, 42, of Foxon Close, agreed.

She said: "It's not doing any harm there.

"I wouldn't say it's like normal vandalism, so it should just be left there."

South Africa-born Janet Thomson, 62, who works in the HSL furniture store next door to the artwork, was also impressed.

She said: "Wow, that's brilliant. You British are often very within yourselves, but you have some brilliantly expressive artists. Leave it up there – it looks beautiful."

But Graeme McAvoy, 76, of Beechwood Road, was underwhelmed.

"I don't think its art. I don't know who the woman is and I don't really care."

Tandridge Council spokesman Guiseppina Valenza said the council would not be taking action because the graffiti was on private property and it would be up to the owner to remove it.

But she added: "We do not encourage graffiti, even this type, which could be considered community or urban art."