Jack the Ripper Museum is refused protection for ‘constantly vandalised’ shopfront

The controversial Jack the Ripper Museum has been refused retrospective planning approval of its black and red shopfront and shutter.

A women’s group launched a campaign to create a rival museum recognising female figures of the East End.

Sarah Jackson, co-founder of the East End Women’s Museum said: “It’s satisfying to see that the Ripper Museum’s bizarre bait-and-switch approach to heritage management has begun to backfire. Hopefully taking the signage down will be the first step towards dismantling the whole rotten project.”

A spokesperson for the museum said: “We will be contesting the decision. The shutters are needed as the museum is constantly being vandalised. Red paint was recently thrown over the shutters.”

Commenting on the refusal, Tower Hamlets’ mayor John Biggs said: “As a council, we have sought to challenge the ‘museum’ and I’m pleased the planning permission appeal has been refused.

“Sadly, the ‘museum’ itself will remain but I would encourage members of the public to instead visit the pop-up Women’s Museum at St George-in-the-East church [Shadwell], which aims to truly celebrate the contribution of inspirational women.”