Gates set up around Banksy artwork in Finsbury Park

A new Banksy mural in north London is covered in plastic sheeting and surrounded by wooden panels.

Banksy claimed the artwork was his own shortly after it appeared on the side of a residential building in Hornsea Road, Finsbury Park, on March 18.

The mural was defaced a week ago with two streaks of white paint.

Islington Council said on Wednesday the building’s owners had now covered it with plastic sheeting.

A spokesman for the council said: “Banksy’s artwork attracts large audiences and it is necessary to protect the artwork and local residents from the impact of visitor numbers.”