A NEW Banksy mural has been ruined by jobsworth council workers who removed a key part of it today less than 24 hours after it was discovered.
The artwork on the side of a building in Margate, Kent, showed a bruised 1950s housewife in an apron and washing-up gloves pushing a man into a freezer.
The faceless artist confirmed it was his latest piece on Instagram today.
The mural, titled Valentine's Day Mascara, highlights the issue of violence against women.
But just 24 hours after the artwork was first spotted, council workers have removed the freezer - leaving behind a blank space.
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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."
KentOnline reported that in video footage posted online, a man can be heard asking contractors: "You do know it's a Banksy, yeah?"
A contractor then replies: "I'm fully aware of that and so's my boss, who's asked me to do this."
The man asks: "How do you feel having to do this?"
The contractor replies: "It's my job."
But the council's action has outraged locals who have slammed the removal.
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Fuming Margate councillor Barry Lewis told Isle of Thanet News: “It’s a disgrace. This brought international acclaim to Margate and within hours Thanet council has destroyed a valuable asset to the town.
"The council leader should resign.”
One local tweeted: "You can't get them to sort out any fly tipping but hilariously sad that the instant reaction to Banksy in Margate by Thanet Council is to remove it!"
Another said: "Talk about Thanet Council shooting themselves in the foot. How petty."
ITV Meridian reported a gallery had been sent by the house owner to protect the artwork but they’ve arrived too late.
