Banksy artwork to stay uncovered

Half of the Banksy Mural had been covered with hoardings

A mural painted by graffiti artist Banksy in Liverpool's Chinatown is no longer to be covered up.

The famous giant rat was sprayed on the side of a building in Berry Street as part of the city's Biennial in 2004.

Liverpool Culture Company planned to cover up the lower part of the artwork after labelling it a "grot spot."

Council workers started to put up hoardings but culture bosses said the work had now been halted "as a result of recent feedback from the public."

The mural is on the side of the former White House pub, which is now derelict.

It was identified by council bosses as one of a number of buildings to be covered by artwork to detract from the eyesores for the Capital of Culture year.

We have decided not to proceed with the hoarding Kris Donaldson, Liverpool Culture Company

Kris Donaldson, Director of the Liverpool Culture Company, said: "The Look of the City campaign is part of our commitment to improve the appearance of high profile grot spots across Liverpool.

"The former White House pub on Berry Street was selected for the programme due to its serious state of disrepair.

He added: "In addition to cleaning the building and fixing paintwork, we decided to hoard the lower part of the building to improve its appearance - a decision taken in consultation with figures in the city's artistic community.

"However, as a result of recent feedback from the public we have decided not to proceed with the hoarding, and all preparatory work has now been removed."

Banksy has become one of art's hottest properties, with Angelina Jolie and Christina Aguilera among those who are reported to have splashed out on his work.