London council to paint over Banksy mural

Westminstercity council in Londondecided Friday to paint over guerilla-artist Banksy's largest work in the city.

Thecouncil ordered the removal to send a message to graffiti artists.

Robert Davis, deputy leader of the council and chair, told BBC News, "If you condone this then you condone graffiti all over London."

Banksy, who conceals hisidentity, is famous for his political and satirical street art. His works have been found everywhere from the Gaza Strip to New Orleans.

The seven-metre-tall mural being removed depicts a child painting the words "One Nation Under CCTV" on the wall. A dog and police officer holding a camera are painted next to the graffiti artist.

Closed-circuit television, or CCTV, has gained widespread use in the United Kingdom to monitor people in public places. Its use has raised complaints about invasion ofprivacy.

The muralis painted on the wall of a building shared by Royal Mail and another business.

In 2006, Bristol city council allowed residents to vote on whether to paint over one of Banksy's works. Results were 97 per cent in favour of keeping the mural.

An auction Thursday at Bonhams raised about $706,000 for Banksy's works.

Earlier this month, Banksy opened The Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill, his first installation in New York City. The exhibit features chicken nuggets with legs dipping themselves in sauce and an aged version of Tweety in a birdcage.