VANDALS have scrawled abusive language across a town centre mural created by local youngsters less than a year ago.

Graffiti has twice been daubed across artwork at the Crown Hill public toilets in Grange, which took a team of 14 young people two days to paint last summer.

“It’s extremely disappointing that someone would choose to vandalise this area,” said Tom Harvey, Grange Town Council leader.

“I think as anti-social behaviour goes it’s completely unacceptable. A lot of hard work has been put in by young people on that mural, so for someone to deface it is pretty pathetic really.

“We’re working with police and community support officers and hopefully we’ll find out who’s responsible.”

A spokesman for Cumbria Police explained there had been two cases of graffiti at the public toilets over the last two weeks.

The first instance took place some time between 10am on April 13 and 10am on April 14.

A permanent marker was used to write foul language over the painting.

The second instance occurred between 10am on Easter Sunday and 9am on Monday, when someone used permanent markers on the shelter walls and ceiling and on seating within the shelter.

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The mural was painted last July as part of a project with professional artist, Sarah Yates.

In 2011 the town council had to make the decision to close public toilets on the nearby promenade after vandals kicked in a door frame, smashed lighting and damaged pipe work.

“Whether it’s people from Grange or visitors, I don’t know,” continued Coun Harvey. “I wouldn’t like to speculate.

“But I think it’s disgraceful.”

Police are now urging anyone with information, or who noticed anyone in the area acting suspiciously, to contact police on 101.