A GUARDIAN angel painted on the former Odeon Cinema building in St Albans has been covered up by the district council. Famous graffiti artist Banksy was the supposed influence behind the figure angel on the front of the decaying art deco building in Londo

A GUARDIAN angel painted on the former Odeon Cinema building in St Albans has been covered up by the district council.

Famous graffiti artist Banksy was the supposed influence behind the figure angel on the front of the decaying art deco building in London Road.

The hooded black-and-white figure - complete with halo and wings - corresponds to his distinctive form of street art which is usually found in London.

Following several attempts to get planning permission to put homes on the site, in June a development company finally got the go-ahead to build flats thdre despite the objection of conservation group, the St Albans Civic Society.

Although they don't own the building, the district council painted over the angel with a green coloured paint last week.

A spokesperson for the council said the action was taken as they did not want graffiti around the city and they were concerned the painting would encourage other similar offences.