Published: November 2, 2012
Clean-up operation launched after graffiti attack in Burnham gardens

A clean-up operation was launched in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens on Friday following a graffiti attack.

Spray-painted messages were daubed over the seafront shelters and benches, as pictured here.

It comes less than a year after the gardens were opened following a £360,000 refurbishment.

A community-spirited resident, who asked to remain anonymous, removed the graffiti with soap and water after spotting the mess.

"It is terrible that a mindless few spoil the enjoyment of others by senseless graffiti. Many volunteers have worked tirelessly to make Marine Cove Gardens a pleasure to visit," Sedgemoor District Council spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

"The council and the Friends of Marine Cove are extremely grateful to the community-minded volunteer who went and removed the unsightly blot, almost before the paint was dry. Thank you very much indeed."

Meanwhile, CCTV footage of the gardens will be closely examined to see whether it holds information that could help catch the culprits. Earlier this year, a stone cherub was broken by vandals.

Marine Cove's gardens were officially re-opened last December following a £360,000 four-year project to refurbish the facilities. The project was part-funded with £344,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund plus grants from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, Viridor and Sedgemoor District Council.