Vandals hit Lympstone cycle way

VANDALS have struck on the cycle way in Lympstone – prompting police to issue a �200 reward for information to catch the culprits. Two murals, an information board, bins and a wooden sculpture were damaged by graffiti at the Sowden Lane, Lympstone end, ov

VANDALS have struck on the cycle way in Lympstone - prompting police to issue a �200 reward for information to catch the culprits.

Two murals, an information board, bins and a wooden sculpture were damaged by graffiti at the Sowden Lane, Lympstone end, over the weekend of October 24 and 25.

Sarah Trayhurn, police community support officer, said: "I imagine the damage was done in daylight hours because there is no lighting down there.

"It is very upsetting for residents. It will also be disheartening for children at Lympstone School who helped produce the mural."

PCSO Trayhurn hoped someone may have seen the culprits because the cycle way was a well-known footpath, used a lot by people during the day.

Keen to have any relevant information to help catch the vandals, she said: "People may have found empty spray cans in their garden or shop owners may have had an increase in sales of spray cans."

Rob Longhurst, chairman of Lympstone Parish Council, said the type of damage which had been caused was 'deplorable.'

"I suppose this kind of thing, sadly, is systematic of part of today's society. I have every confidence in the police to catch the people responsible."

One child from Lympstone Primary School said: "I'm really sad. We worked hard to make something for others to enjoy and now it's spoiled."

Another pupil said: "It's disappointing that something which took so long to do has been ruined."

A spokesperson for the school added: "We are all saddened to hear someone has chosen to spoil the artistic work done by the children to enhance the path which is used and enjoyed by so many people."

Anyone with information should call Devon and Cornwall on 08452 777444, quoting log number 557.