Disbelief as 'crass' council removes part of Banksy artwork hours after artist confirms it's his
Watch a video news report by ITV News Meridian's who was there when council workers turned up
A new artwork by elusive street artist Banksy has been partly removed by the local council.
Workers from Thanet District Council took away the discarded freezer and chair, which formed part of the piece, just hours after it was confirmed to be by the famous graffiti artist.
Local people looked on in astonishment as council workers removed the items.
One worker, tasked with removing the items, said: "We've been sent to take it, it's a health hazard."
ITV News Meridian captured the moment council workers removed the discarded fridge and chair:
The artwork, entitled 'Valentine's Day Mascara', appeared on the side of a building in Margate, Kent, highlighting the issue of domestic violence.
It can be seen along Park Place near Margate Fire Station.
John Brandler, a leading Banksy expert, said he could not believe that the council could be so "crass".
"It's like painting over half the Mona Lisa. Who's going to travel to Margate to look at half a Banksy - without the chest the whole piece becomes meaningless."
In a statement, Thanet District Council, said: "We are aware that the graffiti artist known as Banksy has confirmed that the mural that has appeared recently in Margate is his.
"The graffiti is situated on a wall of a privately owned property.
"A fridge freezer which is believed to have been part of the installation has been removed by council operatives on the grounds of safety as it was on public land.
"The fridge freezer is now in storage and will be returned once it has been made safe to the public.
"We will be contacting the owner of the property to discuss the options to preserve the artwork for the district."
ITV Meridian understands a team of art collectors from a London-based gallery have been drafted in by the owner of the property to help protect it.
Security teams will be guarding the graffiti overnight and installing a perspex screen to protect it.
The work appeared this week, with many speculating early that it had been done by the famous graffiti artist.
It depicts a stereotypical 1950s housewife with a black eye and a missing tooth, closing the lid of a discarded freezer, with a pair of legs poking out from the other side.
Banksy's artwork is known around the world for its political, social, and cultural messages.
If you are affected by domestic violence and/or abuse, there are a number of sources of help and advice including:
Call the police on 999 if you are in immediate danger - the police will continue to respond to emergency calls. If you can't talk on the phone, call 999 and then press 55. Your call will be transferred to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to speak.
The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 run by the charity Refuge. You can also contact the helpline via Refuge's online contact form
Women’s Aid have produced special advice for women and children during the coronavirus lockdown. There is also an online live chat service.
The Men’s Advice Line - A confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse 0808 801 0327
Galop for members of the LGBT+ community
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