Wetherspoons baiters have struck back with a new message - just hours after the pub company had a mural painted over.
In September, an image of a worse-for-wear Mickey Mouse appeared on the old Lacy's Bar in New Brighton next to the Master Mariner pub. Both buildings are owned by JD Wetherspoon.
On Friday, Mickey disappeared however, after workmen appeared with whitewash brushes.
But an image was soon circulating showing the word "Wethersnooze" on the building, presumably a satirical variation on the "Wetheredspoons" text featured on the mural taken down earlier today.
The original Mickey Mouse mural was very popular with locals on the Wallasey Gossip Facebook group.
Tammy Ireland, who posted the picture of the Mickey Mouse mural, 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."
Another 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 passed the now-removed mural, 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."
It is not clear who the graffiti artist is and whether the image has been painted on, or adapted online.
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".
