Graffiti sprayed across Camelford park’s bird hide and pond deck

A wooden bird hide beside a reed-fringed pond is one of the quieter corners of Camelford. This week it has been covered in white spray paint.

What the council found

Camelford Town Council said on Thursday (1 October) that graffiti had recently appeared in the park, which it described as “a space that is enjoyed by so many members of our community”.

Photos shared by the council show paint across the timber boards of the bird hide, on the bench inside it and on a sign fixed to the railings of the pond-side decking.

A plaque on the hide reads: “This bird hide is dedicated to Andy Bond for his work towards preserving and protecting wildlife in Enfield Park.”

The council has held some of the pictures back. “We have chosen not to share all of the photographs, as some of the wording is inappropriate and offensive,” it said.

📷Credit: Camelford Town Council

Who pays for the clean-up

The council said the damage has a knock-on effect for the people who look after the town’s green spaces.

“While this may seem like a harmless prank to those responsible, the reality is that it takes valuable time away from our Grounds Staff, who now have to spend part of their day clearing up the damage instead of carrying out their usual work maintaining the park and other community spaces,” it said.

And there is a bill attached. “There is also a cost involved in removing graffiti, which is ultimately paid for by the Council and, therefore, by local taxpayers.”

📷Credit: Camelford Town Council

What residents are being asked to do

The council is asking people to help look after community facilities and to report any vandalism or anti-social behaviour they witness.

“Our parks and open spaces are there for everyone to enjoy, and it is disappointing to see them damaged in this way,” it said.

It added: “Thank you to our Grounds Team for responding so quickly.”

📷Credit: Camelford Town Council