Residents have been urged to report incidents of graffiti to the police after a vibrant mural in the Westway Precinct was vandalised.
The mural, on the wall of The Cutting Bar, was recently created by local artist Charlotte Macmillan-Scott and displays a striking image of the river and wildlife, symbolising the importance of the natural world alongside the community of Frome.
However, last week the painting was defaced with a St George’s flag, following the recent appearance of several other St George’s flags around Frome on pedestrian crossings and roundabouts.
The flags reflect a national trend, with St George’s flags and Union Jacks appearing across the country. Residents have shared mixed responses to the flags, raising questions about whether they represent patriotism or, alternatively, nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment.
To prevent further damage, Frome Town Council has said it will be covering the mural with anti-graffiti paint.
Town Clerk Paul Wynne said, “We’re aware that there has been a recent increase in incidents of graffiti around the town. We’re in frequent contact with colleagues in Avon and Somerset Police and are working with them on this issue.
“Their request – and ours – is to report graffiti and all anti-social behaviour by calling 101 or reporting via the police website, whenever and wherever you see it. Please don’t assume it’s already been reported or that the police will do nothing about it. As we understand it, the more incident data the police have, the more likely it will be that they can allocate more resources.
“Unsightly graffiti in the spaces we share isn’t acceptable and we welcome your support in tackling it.”
