The tearoom is in Lavenham, a village that has always had a reputation for fiercely guarding its picture postcard image.

Electricity cables are buried underground so as not to spoil the view and a free bus shelter was turned down by parish councillors because it did not fit the traditional image.

And now someone has taken to guerrilla tactics to cover the risqué sign outside the Tickled Pink tearoom.

Owner Maxine Spooner said: "I can't believe someone would sink to these depths.

"It's our logo," she added. "It's on our t-shirts and menus. What are they going to do, come out and spray us as well?"

The vandalised sign outside the newly-opened tearoom, in the High Street, features a Victorian photograph of a maid reclining on a sofa and showing off her garters.

It offended someone enough for them to complain to Babergh Council, whose planning department regulates shop signs.

Days after the council said it would not be pursuing the complaint the sign was defaced – spray paint covering the maid's exposed legs.

The cost of the damage has been put at £140.

As council officials are only concerned with the position of the sign – not that of the lady on it – they will not be taking action against the tearoom.

A spokesperson said: "Babergh can only intervene over matters relating to the positioning and materials used in the construction of the sign and so does not intend to pursue this particular complaint any further."

What you think...

Wayne York, Huddersfield: "It's not rude enough! It certainly doesn't offend me."

David Lever, Great Cornard: "It's small-minded to complain, though I suppose there are a lot of well-to-do people in Lavenham who might not like it."

Tinka Heigham, of Lavenham: "What's rude about it? Some people really will complain about anything."

Sue Terry, from Grays, Essex: "It's just old art. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it."

Graham Thompson, of Braintree: "If it was the same image but in a modern style, then I could see why people might complain."

Have your say...

What are your views on the Lavenham tearoom sign email us on mark.crossley@sudburytoday.co.uk