A protective screen has been placed over the Banksy in Margate, as the council reveals it will be restored to its former glory.

The freezer that was controversially removed from the piece by Thanet District Council contractors yesterday "on safety grounds" is set to be returned today.

Art fans were outraged when workers took away the chest freezer, which was a key part of the famous artist's latest work on the house in Grosvenor Place.

TDC later confirmed the appliance was removed for safety reasons, and would be returned when it had been made safe.

Now, a protective covering has been installed over the painting, and it seems the freezer will make a reappearance this morning.

Jack Murphy-Delo spotted the work being protected as he was cycling along Grosvenor Place last night.

He explained: "A protective layer was being installed over the art pieces, and I was able to talk with one of the men doing it.

"He confirmed that the art piece is expected to remain there for a number of weeks.

"They also said they are hoping to have the freezer back in its original position today."

Just hours after Banksy claimed responsibility for the artwork yesterday morning, contractors from TDC carted away the fridge-freezer that formed a vital part of the piece.

A council spokesperson told KentOnline: "A fridge freezer which is believed to have been part of the installation has been removed by council operatives on the grounds of safety as it was on public land.

"The fridge freezer is now in storage and will be returned once it has been made safe to the public. We will be contacting the owner of the property to discuss the options to preserve the artwork for the district."

Titled 'Valentine's Day Mascara', the new piece shows a woman in a retro dress, complete with kitchen apron and Marigolds, with a bruised eye and missing teeth.

Sticking out from a fridge-freezer – believed to have been placed against the wall purposely – are a pair of legs, suggesting the man has been dumped there by his wife.

It is thought to be a comment on domestic violence against women by the elusive artist.