Builders have started to dismantle Banksy's iconic goat above Kew Bridge - to the heartbreak of art-loving locals.The graffiti from the anonymous artist was only sprayed onto the south west London property in August and has become a beloved part of the tight-knit community. It was the first of a series of six gorilla artworks painted over six days across London last summer.But today workmen were installing metal bars around the section of the wall containing the goat as they prepared to take it away.Its removal from the building, currently a gun factory owned by Boss and Company Bows and Company, is expected to take place over the course of this week. It is thought the Banksy will be taken to Carlisle to be restored but it is understood that it will not be returned to its Thames-side home.And furious locals have now spoken out to reveal their horror as the beloved artwork is taken away from their community.Philippa Turner, 63, who lives in Kew, complained that removing the animal would go against the principle of the graffiti masterpiece.She said: 'It's part of the community, and the fact that Banksy placed it specifically where it was - so you see it when you come from Kew Gardens, you see it as you go along the bridge. It's like a beacon for a community.
Julian Pavey ● 55d