Graffiti vandals have targeted a replica railway signal in Burnham-On-Sea, painting their ‘tag’ on one side of the structure in the latest in a wave of similar incidents across the town.
The railway signal in Marine Drive has been marked by the vandals this week and further ‘tags’ have been left on the Apex Park information building and private garages in Marine Drive.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council owns the signal and Town Clerk Tatiana Cant told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Wednesday: “We are very disappointed at the senseless vandalism to this structure and other places in the town. We are supporting the Police in their investigations to track down the culprits.”
It comes after the tags were also daubed on street art on the walls of The Victoria Hotel in Victoria Street, Vape Escape in Chapel Street and Nick Tolley Photography in Abingdon Street, plus a wall in Princess Street and several shop shutters last week.
Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, Victoria Hotel publican Shaun McCann said: “I am gutted this has happened when it took the artists so much time and effort to produce it.”
“I just don’t understand why someone would do this – you don’t expect it here in Burnham ad I hope the culprit is found.”
Street artwork by artist John D’Oh was among the material ‘tagged’ with silver spray paint last week.
Artist John D’Oh told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I happened to be painting on Friday morning in Burnham when Shaun from the Victoria Hotel called me over and told me about the vandalism that has taken place and I could see he was visibly upset and so he should be.”
“I am aware that there is a division in Burnham on Sea between those who love the artwork that adorns the streets and those who deplore it. It is such a shame when landlords and property owners give up their walls to be used as canvases for the community and tourists to enjoy have their properties then vandalized.”
“Over the last couple of years artists have painted in Burnham they have hopefully shown that all street art and graffiti is not vandalism and that it can help add colour and maybe bring tourists to Burnham. I am hoping that this negative act does not effect the up and coming festival.”
Sophie Nicholson, one of the organisers of this weekend’s BOSfest which will include street art displays, told Burnham-On-Sea.com that “it was massively disrespectful and disappointing for this small town.”
