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Vandalised Devon bus shelter gets mystery 'Banksy-style' makeover

A heavily vandalised bus stop has been transformed into the cosiest in Britain after being given a makeover - by an guerrilla interior designer.

Villagers waiting in the stone shelter can now enjoy a homely front room - complete with arm chair, scatter cushions, throws, potted plants and even pictures on the walls.

The site in the small Dartmoor village of Walkhampton, Devon, has been plagued by vandals for many years.

And shocked villagers say they are thrilled at its transformation after coming to the attention of a mystery makeover artist.

The unknown designer has now lovingly lavished the once bleak interior with divine details and little touches with a Valentine's Day theme.

They include a single red rose, red hearts and matching lampshade, a classy candelabra and even a little wicker basket filled with Celebrations chocolates.

The shelter is served by the Number 56 Tavistock to Meavy Target Travel bus service.

Locals are so thrilled by the change, one has even added a thank you note.

It read: "To the person responsible for the fantastic periodic make-overs of the Walkhampton 'bus stop', providing a source of amusement for the residents of the village... Thank you!

"To the individual responsible for the nasty, deliberate destruction of the other's efforts... Words fail me."

The extravagant and occasional sprucing up of the site has been going on since at least August 2016 according to locals.

Burrator Parish councillor Keith Scrivener said: "There has been a history of vandalism of the bus shelter which has had to be cleaned up time after time.

"Now we have the cosiest bus shelter in Devon.

"Well done to whoever is responsible for the good dead."

The Rev Preb Nick Shutt, Rector of the West Dartmoor Mission Community and a resident of Walkhampton, added: "I don't know who has done it and I haven't spoken to anybody who seems to know, but it has brought a smile to everyone's faces.

"It's like having our very own Banksy, who likes doing some installation art.

"It has cheered everyone up and it's nice to have a bit of good news for a change."