Banksy ‘Tesco sandcastles’ artwork in St Leonards vandalised

The image of a little girl building sandcastles with the word ‘Tesco’ on them first appeared on a beach wall in St Leonards in 2010.

Banksy himself confirmed to The Argus that the painting, outside St Leonards Parish Church in the Marina, was his work.

Hastings Borough Council’s foreshore team later put up a Perspex screen to protect the piece after it was vandalised.

The artwork has a protective screen over it(Image: Hastings Borough Council)

The foreshore team now completely cover the piece during winter to protect it from the elements and unveil it again during spring, where it can be seen through a protective Perspex screen.

However, the council says this screen has been “repeatedly vandalised” this year, damaging the artwork and costing extra money in repairs.

A photo of the artwork taken in 2010(Image: Wikimedia)

Hastings Borough Council posted on Facebook: “You might know that there is a Banksy mural on beach steps in St Leonards.

“To help preserve this, a protective screen is in place, and over winter each year it is covered completely to give extra protection from the high tides and stormy weather.

“Unfortunately, this year, the protective screen has been repeatedly vandalised, potentially damaging the artwork, and costing money for repairs that could be spent supporting the community.”

The work has drawn many visitors over the years(Image: Wikimedia)

Councillor Glenn Haffenden, leader of the council and lead councillor for community safety, called the repeated vandalism “disappointing.”

Councillor Haffenden said: “The Banksy is a loved feature for residents.

“Steps are taken to protect it as a piece of art, so it is disappointing that the protective screen is repeatedly damaged, causing unnecessary cost and potentially harming the artwork.

“If you are aware of any incidents of vandalism anywhere in the borough, please report them to us via https://my.hastings.gov.uk/MyServices.”