Two Southampton residents are calling for a mural showcasing Cuban culture to be preserved for good.

Cuban tapas and cocktail bar Revolucion de Cuba features the colourful artwork but it closed on Above Bar Street in January.

The premises has remained vacant ever since but eight months after the bar closed, the building’s sign has been removed.

This has led to concerns a new business could be preparing to move in and take over the establishment.

Andy Frampton, member of Cuba Solidarity Campaign – a national organisation that campaigns against the 62-year blockade of Cuba – has called on the prospective new owners to keep the mural on the building.

The Cuban mural on Above Bar Street (Image: Matt Davey)

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Speaking to the Echo, he said: “The mural was clearly part a brand of a wider company but one of the good things the brand did was touch on the life of Cubans.

“I lived in Cuba for 12 months and I think the mural does emphasize the music and life of the Cuban people, it does shine a light on the vibrant nature of a wonderful Caribbean Island that is unique in so many ways.

“There’s various murals around Southampton that have become a permanent fixture of the city, and I think it would be great to add to that with something that’s already existing and deters graffiti from what would otherwise be plain building.”

(Image: Newsquest)

It is understood that Genius 1 Group is marketing the building as a leisure venue, though it has not confirmed if a new business will soon be moving into the premises.

Cab driver and former councillor Perry McMillan has joined Andy’s calls for the mural to be maintained on Above Bar Street.

He said: “Me and my wife have had three beautiful holidays in Cuba, and I think the mural brightens up the city centre as you drive into the city.

“You’ve got The Bulb building that’s been completely rejuvenated and now there’s another mural in East Street.

“I hope the council can do their bit in championing the mural and whoever the new business owners are can take that into consideration.”