To highlight the dangers of potholes, self-described "road artist" Wanksy has been painting penises around the road hazards to get attention from his local council in Manchester, UK.

"The roads of Manchester are in an appalling state, especially around Bury. I have cyclist friends who have been hospitalised," the artist told the Manchester Evening News.

"I wanted to attract attention to the pothole and make it memorable. Nothing seemed to do this better than a giant comedy phallus. It’s also speedy, I don’t want to be in the road for a long time."

But not everyone is happy about the drawings.

A spokesman from the Bury council told the Manchester News: "The actions of this individual are not only stupid but incredibly insulting to local residents.

"Has this person, for just one second, considered how families with young children must feel when they are confronted with these obscene symbols as they walk to school? Not only is this vandalism, but it’s also counter-productive.

"Every penny that we have to spend cleaning off this graffiti is a penny less that we have to spend on actually repairing the potholes!"

Nevertheless, many residents on social media have congratulated the artist for highlighting the issue.

Andy Greaves commented on Facebook, "You sir are a genius !!!! my car is already ruined by the abundance of potholes being ignored by our council but this is what we need keep up the great work mate."

Another person ruce Esinem wrote: "Potholes can kill and injure. Penis graffiti related deaths and injuries, nil."