Call for crackdown on Bridgnorth graffiti vandals

The call comes after first the Quayside was sprayed with luminous paint, then other areas of town.

Vandals have since sprayed paint in other parts of Low Town including Lavington Gardens and Underhill Street.

Now businesses and civic chiefs fear the graffiti could hit the town's tourist trade.

Stephen Robbins, of Bridgnorth Chamber of Commerce, said:"Everyone is trying to make the place look as good as possible. A lot of people were extremely annoyed as it's not the norm here in Bridgnorth.

"I'm pretty disgusted, and I think it's a terrible shame. I hope anger from the public will deter them from doing it again in the future."

Quayside and Lavington Gardens is a place for quiet reflection, many of the flower beds are maintained by local residents.

The graffiti, which was white and more than two foot high, could be seen from the Severn Bridge leading from High Town to Low Town.

Graffiti has now been removed from the site, which was a former boat landing during the 17th Century.

Mr Robbins said he thought the graffiti at Quayside looked the worst, due to its prominent location.

He added: "We've got a fabulous art trail now which is proving extremely popular, I love seeing the various art work around the town.

"It seems such a shame that someone who has a creative talent can't find other ways to focus their energies.

"It gives out an image that we don't want here in Bridgnorth."

Shropshire Council are responsible for removing graffiti from public places across the county, the process can be costly.

Councillor Richard Fox said: " Graffiti costs us all money and whoever is doing it needs to think about the damage caused to the town.

"It doesn't only look unpleasant, but the cost of cleaning takes valuable resources away from essential council services.

"I'd ask people to be vigilant and report anything they see as soon as possible. Any evidence we do get will go straight to the police."