Graffitti gang targets town

Mystery graffiti artists, identified only by their unique "tags", have been targeting the historic heart of Ludlow.

Now police and the district council have joined forces in a bid to track down the culprits. It follows a spate of incidents in which spray-painted designs have defaced walls by St Laurence's Church, in Church Walk, over the past month.

The graffiti is in the form of "tagging" where the vandal sprays their distinctive autograph or logo.

Victoria Ashmore, South Shropshire District Council's environmental improvement officer, said: "The council is working closely with the police to address the problem.

"The local police team has received information that the graffiti and 'tagging' may have been carried out by someone from outside the area.

"However, if anyone recognises the tags or has any information relating to the graffiti, please contact the Ludlow Town Local Policing Team on 08457 444 888."

Councillor Nick Barclay, the council's lead member for the environment, said: "Graffiti is an anti-social activity that negatively impacts on the local area.

"The council removes graffiti from its own property, and always calls upon the local police to investigate incidents."

District councillor Rosanna Taylor-Smith, who represents Ludlow town centre's Castle Ward, said: "This type of behaviour spoils our beautiful town, and I would urge anyone with information to contact the police.

"Graffiti is against the law - it's classed as criminal damage, and offenders could receive an £80 fixed penalty notice or be prosecuted."

Property owners are responsible for removing graffiti that has been applied to their property. The council has removed graffiti from council-owned property and will continue to do so.