Plans for a new development of flats could see the demolition of a popular mural in Margate.

The colourful painted wall in Mansion Street stands opposite Margate’s oldest pub, The Northern Belle, and is made up of paintings of the landlord and several regular patrons.

A petition to save the mural has been signed by more than 700 hundred supporters who say it is ‘of local significance’.

The petition, created by Sandra Bellingham, reads: “It has become something of a tourist attraction as it can clearly be seen from Marine Drive and visitors walk up to have their photographs taken whilst standing in front of it.

“However, the wall is now in danger of being demolished as planning has been granted for a new development of apartments.

“The reason for my letter is to see if anything can be done to preserve the wall and its much admired and treasured mural.

“On a more poignant note, one of the paintings is of Mrs Debbie Murray, a much loved and admired resident of Margate who sadly passed away in her early fifties and whose funeral in October was so well attended it brought the traffic to a standstill en route to the crematorium, so the wall is also a memorial to her.

“It would be a shame to lose, forever, one of Margate’s newest and totally unique tourist attractions.”

Thanet District Council has recommended that supporters may want to contract the developer directly.

A council spokesman said: “In 2007, permission was granted to demolish the building for a scheme of 10 flats, and subsequently a similar scheme was approved earlier this year.

“In August 2017, a new application for 11 flats was refused by Thanet District Council.

“We are aware of the petition to Save the Margate Mural and a potential avenue for people might be to contact the developer directly.”

The petition can be found here