The Grey-with-rust-streaks Horse of Ebbsfleet

We bemoan the short-termism that has seen our financial systems needing a bailout. But Britain never learns.

Mark Wallinger's winning design for Ebbsfleet will no doubt be the White Horse that he promises - for a while. Apparently "self-cleaning" white paint is in the specification.

But how long will such paint last - and what happens then?

Boringly rectangular structures can be cleaned and painted by hanging a basket from rails at the top.

But a horse? Lots of overhangs - and no mentions of any provision for hanging anything off the top.

So what happens when the paint needs replacing (or even a bit more cleaning than the self-cleaning action achieves)?

Presumably we leave it to look increasingly shabby - a fitting introduction to short-termist Britain for visitors arriving on the Eurostar.