FREMANTLE council has confirmed it has been hit with a writ from a High Street building owner angry over damage caused by the Arc D’Ellipses artwork.

Although the council wouldn’t divulge any details about the writ, the Herald understands the owner is seeking $50,000.

The damage is from last year’s High Tide Art Festival, when several heritage buildings were covered with bright yellow foil stripes that are now proving difficult to remove after they were left on longer than artist Felice Varini had anticipated.

The Herald was told the council had responded to the writ by claiming it wasn’t responsible or liable for any damage, though the council wouldn’t comment.

The council is currently preparing to put the clean-up out to tender after initial quotes came in over its limit. It’s hoping that the more rigorous tender process will pull contractors’ costs under $150,000.

by MOLLY SCHMIDT