A popular Mickey Mouse mural in New Brighton thought to have been painted in protest at JD Wetherspoon is being painted over, a fortnight after appearing.

The mural is painted on the old Lacy’s Bar, next to the Master Mariner pub – both buildings are owned by JD Wetherspoon.

Many around Marine Point’s retail complex will have spotted the artwork, which appears to show the Disney character horizontal and with a can of spray paint – having written the word “Wetheredspoons” on the side of the derelict building.

It is thought to be a reference to the pub chain, which last year unveiled plans to bulldoze the well-known eyesore.

Tammy Ireland, from Wallasey Village today posted an image of contractors painting over the mural.

She said: “I thought it was fantastic, the building is an eyesore and it [the mural] brought some humour to the area, it’s a brilliant up and coming place and that was just a bit of fun to highlight the need to fix the building to fit in with the area.”

Many locals in the Wallasey Gossip Facebook group agreed with Ms Ireland. One member of the group said: “I hope they do another one! Might give Wetherspoons the kick to do something with it!”

A nearby resident who regularly passes the graffiti told the LDRS: “The general feeling in New Brighton is that it’s a disgrace, Wetherspoons has allowed this beautiful building to fall into such disrepair and be an eyesore right on the most prominent position of our beautiful promenade.

“I want spoons to do something with it or give it to someone who will, and fast.”

Planning documents said the site would be reconfigured as a beer garden and external terrace area for the existing pub.

When approached for comment at the time the mural first went up, the pub giant responded by saying they were refused planning permission to demolish the pub, and were now “reviewing whether to appeal the decision”.

Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We are keen to build a beer garden to complement the pub.

“We have arranged for the surrounding area to be checked immediately to ensure that it is tidy and not an eyesore for local people.”

We have approached Wetherpoons for a fresh comment about the mural being painted over.