A TOWN council has reminded its residents that it is them that have to pay for the clean up of graffiti on publicly owned amenities.

Camelford Town Council has expressed its anger at the work of the as-yet unidentified vandals who went on a graffitiing spree across the town.

The council said that the nature of some of the graffiti was so offensive that showing its contents publicly was inappropriate.

In a statement to residents, a spokesperson for Camelford Town Council said that while some might see it as a ‘harmless prank’, the reality of graffiti was that it comes at a cost to the precept payers who fund the town council’s work.

It added that it was disappointed to see the parks and open spaces in the town damaged.

A spokesperson for Camelford Town Council said: “We are saddened to see that graffiti has recently appeared in the park, a space that is enjoyed by so many members of our community. We have chosen not to share all of the photographs, as some of the wording is inappropriate and offensive.

“While this may seem like a harmless prank to those responsible, the reality is that it takes valuable time away from our Grounds Staff, who now have to spend part of their day clearing up the damage instead of carrying out their usual work maintaining the park and other community spaces.

“There is also a cost involved in removing graffiti, which is ultimately paid for by the Council and, therefore, by local taxpayers.

“We ask everyone to help us look after our community facilities and report any vandalism or anti-social behaviour they witness. Our parks and open spaces are there for everyone to enjoy, and it is disappointing to see them damaged in this way.

“Thank you to our Grounds Team for responding so quickly.”