Controversial lap dancing ad to be removed from Elephant & Castle

Local Labour politicians launched a petition on Sunday night in response to the appearance of the advert, claiming that "sexualised imagery has a profoundly damaging impact on girls’ body-image and sense of self-worth".

At lunchtime on Monday Primesight – the company which sells the ad space on behalf of Southwark Council – announced on Twitter: "In response to the complaints the advertisement will be removed today.

"We will continue to respond to complaints about copy."

Southwak Lib Dem councillor Adele Morris had suggested that the Labour campaign would have been better directed at the council – which owns the site – rather than the ad firm.

"The advert is coming down and we should all be pleased," said Cllr Neil Coyle, Labour parliamentary candidate for Bermondsey & Old Southwark.

"Of course the council was contacted and I am glad Labour candidates and local people have won a significant victory for the site.

"Hopefully this action will have set a precedent that offensive or sexist adverts will not be tolerated at the Elephant. It is a little crass of a Lib Dem councillor to ignore such a large, offensive advert on the edge of her ward to engage in petty point scoring."

Cllr Coyle pointed out that the council relies on income from adverts to help fund public services.

He added: "I thank Vijay Luthra, Claire Maugham and Karl Eastham for their action which shows what excellent councillors they could make locally. I also thank Southwark Council, and Richard Livingstone in particular, for such a prompt response to community concern."