There are "no plans" to remove the copycat Banksy artwork which appeared in Romford, Havering Council has confirmed.

When three ostriches appeared on an empty billboard in Crossways, Gidea Park, overnight in August, it sparked speculation from residents that it was a new Banksy artwork. 

The birds were spray painted near The Picture Frame Galley PFG242 in the early hours of the morning on August 13 - in Banksy's signature style.

However, a representative for the famous artist later confirmed that they were "not by the artist known as Banksy".

Havering Council has now said it has "no plans" to remove the artwork, regardless of whether or not it was put there by Banksy.

The three ostriches were painted in the early hours of the morning on August 13The three ostriches were painted in the early hours of the morning on August 13 (Image: Contributor)

A spokesperson for Havering Council said: "It is great to have positive art work like this in the borough.

"It was a shame it wasn’t a Banksy, but it is still a piece of art that many people have admired."

They added that as the street art is on private land, it would be "up to the owner to decide on any removal or how it is protected".

READ MORE: Potential Romford Banksy of ostriches spotted in Gidea Park

The three ostriches were painted huddling around a red post box, with two of them appearing to have their heads buried.

They appeared in Romford shortly after Banksy's series of animal artworks across London - including monkeys in Brick Lane, and pelicans in Walthamstow.

It is not yet known who is behind the Banksy-inspired artwork or whether they will paint another one in Romford.