A MURAL on Margate seafront depicting the town’s beach and landmarks submerged by litter has been sharply criticised by councillors.

The stark picture on the wall of a disused coffee bar by Arlington Arcade is the work of acclaimed artist Jimmy Caulty, a former member of iconic dance band and self-styled 'art terrorists’ KLF.

It raised the hackles of councillors from both major political parties and was later defaced by an unknown scrawler with the message This Is Not Art.

It was installed as part of the two-week Margate Rocks arts festival, and described by curator Jessica Baum as an “excellent and thought-provoking work aimed at raising awareness of ecological issues.”

She said it “no way reflected Margate as it is today - it has lovely sandy beaches and is an area with regeneration happening all around the town. But it has made people think and talk and discuss, and that is what art is supposed to do.”

Deputy Margate mayor Cllr Mick Tomlinson said: “It doesn't do any favours to Margate at all. We are working extremely hard on regeneration packages and this doesn’t create a good impression. It shows up and tarnishes the town that we are trying to rejuvenate.”

Dave Kinnear, co-ordinator of Margate Town Partnership, added: “I don’t know how this was allowed to happen. I would have preferred to have seen images that really promote the town. These are ill-considered.”

For the full story, see the Thanet Extra, out on Wednesday May 14.