'Minion Man' paints over estate's obscene graffiti

Figure caption, Salford's 'Minion Man' paints over anti-social graffitiByKaya Black and Lauren HirstNorth WestA street artist known as the "Minion Man" has turned his attention to brightening up his area's dirty and vandalised street cabinets.Martin Withers was given his new nickname after he painted bollards in Salford, Greater Manchester, to look like Minions from the Despicable Me films.Now the 38-year-old from Little Hulton has branched out to paint other popular cartoon characters - including from The Simpsons and Tom and Jerry - to cover up swear words."I'm just looking for something to clean the estate up," said Withers, who has lived in Little Hulton for more than 20 years.Image caption, Martin Withers said he was determined to clean up his local area with street artHe added: "Everyone puts a bad name on council estates but this is just something to give [back]."Withers said he decided to take action after seeing swear words daubed on various street cabinets."Instead of swear words everywhere, it's a lot better."I like to give the kids something, so I've been trying to think of popular characters for children."The green cable boxes belong to BT Openreach.A spokesperson for the communications company said: "Our street cabinets already play an important role in keeping local communities connected – so it's always great to see them being used to bring people together in other ways like this."Image caption, Vintage cartoon characters are among those featuring in Withers' street artWithers has also added to the collection of Minions bollards by painting female versions of the characters.Withers, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2019 after experiencing symptoms since he was a teenager, said he had also created a "special one" one in tribute to the NHS which had helped him.Image caption, Withers initially turned bollards into Minions Withers said he appreciated the kind words from those who had seen his work. "It has helped me get out instead of just sitting there... and gives me something to do," he said. "It makes me feel good."Sometimes I wonder why I'm doing it, but then people come up and say 'that's really nice that', and that's what makes my day."I didn't think so many people could know me."Get in touchTell us which stories we should cover in Greater ManchesterMore on this storyRelated links