A NEW mural on Canvey seafront depicting the “Troubles” in Ireland has outraged some residents who are calling for it to be removed.

The mural features men in balaclavas with guns.

It is close to the Concord Beach tidal pool and some residents are calling it “inappropriate” and “offensive”.

However, Colin Letchford, of the Friends of Concord Beach, said the mural was not supposed to be offensive but was part of the history of murals in the country as there were lots of murals painted in Ireland during the Troubles.

The IRA tried to bomb Canvey in January 1979 when they put a device in a kerosene container at the Texaco Terminal.

But councillor Dave Blackwell said: “This is not what Canvey is about. The mural depicts terrorism.

“I can’t believe that anyone has done it and I think questions need to be asked.

“The seafront is about fun, not about terrorism. It is close to the pool so there are children and families walking past.”

He added that the mural was in poor taste so soon after the London and Manchester terror attacks.

Mr Blackwell continued: “There are plenty of people upset about it.

“I don’t understand what the IRA has to do with Canvey’s history.

“People find it offensive.

“The members of the Royal British Legion are really upset and a family came up to me while I was looking at it and said they found it offensive as well.”

Jeff Saxton, a member of Canvey Royal British Legion, said he also thought the mural was in poor taste and should not have been painted on the seawall.

He said: “I just don’t think it is appropriate for the seawall.

“Obviously there are a lot of people who are upset about it.

“If there is that much adverse comment about it then they should take it off.

“I think that would be the best option.”

Mr Letchford said the complaints were taking the mural out of context.

He said: “People say they don’t want children seeing pictures of the IRA, but a lot of young people today are not aware of the troubles in Ireland.

“We hope to publish a book alongside the murals explaining about the history.”