There has been a twist in the fate of a guerrilla mural by graffiti artist Banksy.
It appears the director of the company that owns the wall emblazoned with Banksy’s work has ordered contractors to clamp the wall and cut out the art after repeated attacks by vandals.
The wall, on the border of Croydon and Beddington, is owned by concrete company Hanson Premix. It has a satirical image featuring a punk standing next to a cardboard box marked IEAK, apparently reading instructions on how to put together a graffiti slogan.
Last month Sutton Council, which is responsible for the area, asked the public to decide whether Banksy’s work – near superstore Ikea on Coomber Way – should be scrubbed or preserved.
Ninety per cent of people who responded to the council survey said the work should stay on the wall.
The council normally cleans up any graffiti as soon as it is reported but the mural, which features on the world-famous street artist’s official website, left the council scratching its head.
But a council spokesman said as the wall is owned by Hanson Premix, it would ultimately make the final decision on the mural’s fate.
Executive member for environment Councillor Colin Hall said: “We have dedicated teams in Sutton that remove graffiti on a daily basis.
"It’s hugely antisocial and something we work quickly to eradicate.
"However, we know people hold strong views on Banksy’s work, with some seeing it as art, while others view it as vandalism.”
A mural by Banksy, which once featured on the cover of a single by rock band Blur, was painted over by Hackney Council.
A spokesman for Hanson Premix said the company had removed the Banksy wall to save it from further vandalism and it was now looking into restoring the work.
He said: “At this stage we don't know what we’re going to do with the wall.”
He said it was possible for the company would retain it private use or it might stay on display somewhere for people to enjoy.
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