A spate of graffiti vandalism on walls, roads and public noticeboards in Bishop Auckland’s Fore Bondgate and Newgate Street, including racist language and nationalist symbolism has shocked the Bishop Auckland community in recent days.
Some members of the community took to social media to express their dismay at the vandalism and criminal activity, while a spokesperson for Bishop Auckland Town Council said: “Bishop Auckland Town Council is aware of the recent appearance of graffiti in public spaces across our town.
“This is unacceptable and does not reflect the true values of our community. Bishop Auckland is a town that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
“It is a real shame that some individuals have chosen to deface our environment in this way, particularly at a time when so many people — including volunteers, local groups, charities, and businesses — are working very hard to improve the town and make it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
“This graffiti does not show Bishop Auckland in its best light and the Council is saddened to see it taking centre stage over the many wonderful things our town has to offer.
“The Council has reported all known incidents to Durham County Council colleagues.
“We encourage residents to report any further instances to the appropriate authorities.”
Cllr Tom Redman, DCC Councillor for Bishop Auckland added: “We’re aware of the recent graffiti in Bishop Auckland. It’s unsightly and unfair on residents and businesses, particularly on new buildings. Council teams are being notified so that it can be cleaned up quickly, and enforcement will follow where possible.”
A Durham County Council spokesperson said: “Graffiti of a racist nature is totally unacceptable, a criminal offence and places an unnecessary financial burden on property owners and, in some cases the public purse.
“As soon as we become aware of incidents of racist graffiti, we take immediate action to get it removed or painted over.
“This will either be removing the graffiti ourselves within 24 hours, if the site is in our ownership; or supporting the landowner to deal with the incident, if it is on private property.
“Anyone with information on a particular incident is able to report it to Durham Constabulary via their website at durham.police.uk by visiting the Contact Us page, clicking on the ‘Report a Crime’ option and then on ‘Vandalism or graffiti’.”
Police have received reports of criminal damage to several buildings in Bishop Auckland.
Enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible. Anyone with any information that could assist enquiries should contact police online at www.durham.police.uk.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
