Community defiant in face of vandals

11:07am Friday 16th November 2007

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A south Pembrokeshire community is refusing to be defeated by vandals, after a mural painted by community and youth groups was defaced just days after completion.

Pembroke Dock's Ferry Lane tunnel was painted by the Bush and Park tenants and residents association (BAPTARA) and the community's youth club.

The mural, devised with the help of local artists depicts Pembroke Dock landmarks and industry in swirling designs and a palate of bright oranges, blue and purples.

Following an article in last week's Western Telegraph a local resident, who does not wish to be named, contacted us to say that the mural had been "desecrated from one end to the other" with foul language and obscene graffiti.

"It has been a waste of time painting it," said the resident. "It is an absolute disgrace and a sign of the times we live in."

Jackie Lee, secretary of BAPTARA, is determined that the vandals will not get the upper hand.

"It has been defaced," she said. "It is just one of those things. It happens everywhere."

However the youth club and BAPTARA members have already touched up the white around the mural and plan to salvage the mural itself. The whole wall will then be sprayed with anti graffiti sealant provided by the county council.

"The matter was taken in hand as soon as the mural was graffitied. The youth club and BAPTARA will be working very hard to sort it out."