However, this action sends out a very clear message to the graffiti community that it is not about how good you are or even how good your followers think you are. It is about painting legally as opposed to illegally.

In the world of graffiti the name Banksy is treated with a reverence comparable to that afforded Robin Hood. But our modern day outlaw has even won the favour of local authorities. Councils that would normally scrub off illegal graffiti are prepared to turn a blind eye if the tag says Banksy. This obviously gives graffiti artists and vandals a very mixed message.

While it would be better for everyone to have famous murals rather than a scribbled mess on their walls there have to be clear boundaries and there can be no tolerance for painting on other people's property without permission. The Westminster approach is even-handed and while it won't necessarily stop the vandalism it may make other councils think twice about their own position.