Offensive graffiti has been obscured on a wall next to a children’s play area in Highbridge this week following concerns from shocked parents.
Several residents took to social media to air their concerns after a body part was spray-painted over a wall next to the play area at the Rec sports ground near to the Bank Street car park.
Sedgemoor District Council, which oversees the adjacent play area, said it had removed the ‘offensive’ graffiti even though the wall is actually owned by the football club.
Council spokeswoman Claire Faun confirmed: “We have obscured the graffiti and asked the football club to repaint.”
She added: “Sedgemoor District Council are responsible for removing graffiti from its public buildings and land. If the graffiti is of an offensive or racist nature, the Council will remove it within 24 hours of being reported. Other non-offensive graffiti will be removed within 5 working days.”
“Where graffiti is reported on private property and structures we will encourage the owner to make arrangements to remove it and we can advise of contractors that specialise in this work.”
“Alternatively, and only if staff resources permit at that particular time, the Council can offer to do the removal work on a rechargeable basis.”
“However, in cases where the graffiti is offensive or racist, we will prioritise our resources to ensure its removal as soon as reasonably possible.”
Graffiti is a criminal offence which can land culprits with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75. To report graffiti, complete the form here.
